Internal CATS audit says cost savings opportunities missed

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are new questions for taxpayers after the City of Charlotte released an internal audit on Tuesday for the CATS Blue Line Extension.

The audit is dated December 20, 2017 and was conducted by the City Auditor's Office.

Auditors focused on the city's contract with Lane Construction originally valued at $119 million dollars that grew to $145 million with contract amendments.

The report concluded that "significant controls" were in place however "the City may have missed opportunities to negotiate additional cost savings."

Key audit findings include the need to better document cost overruns and improve future cost analysis. Auditors also recommended more closely questioning future project costs.

CATS defends itself in the audit while also acknowledging there are areas it could improve.

Channel 9 has methodically investigated and reported on the project since it was delayed.

[Emails shed light on Blue Line extension project delay]

Investigative reporter Paul Boyd uncovered a widespread rail tie cracking problem and discovered emails that suggested CATS was not properly managing the project or tax dollars.

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