TxDOT official addresses funding issue in memo

In a memo to all TxDOT employees this week, Saenz explained that the accounting error led officials to cut construction funds for 2008 by $1 billion. Saenz said that not only did the agency's miscalculation result in "falsely inflated hopes" statewide regarding new projects that could begin, it also "put many of our district employees in a very difficult position of having to inform local officials and citizens that projects were going to be delayed."

Media reports from around the state echoed local government officials' concerns - and often their anger - after they were informed by TxDOT officials that projects in their areas would be put on hold.

Saenz said in an effort to ensure such accounting errors do not happen again, he has reorganized the TxDOT administration to centralize fund forecasting, fund management and fund accountability. "This will remove barriers between those who plan projects, those who schedule projects and those who pay the bills," he said in the memo.