Governor Henry McMaster issued a letter to the State Inspector General, Brian Lamkin, at the same time he issued the letter to Secretary Hall. In the letter, the Governor requests an investigation and analysis of the C-Fund Program and County Transportation Committees (CTCs). Specifically, he references the recent SCDOT Structural Efficiencies Study which highlighted problems with the CTC process:
“The Study found that C Program project decisions are made at the discretion of each CTC, with no “consistent or prescribed methodology in place for assessing asset conditions or determining needs and priorities.” Study, pg. 69. While I support local officials making local decisions, I find the above statement troubling as counties need a system in place to prioritize projects.”
McMaster specifically requests that the investigation look at the inspection and review of the CTC’s program processes, including how the counties create transportation plans, decision-making protocols, the efficiency of utilizing third-parties in comparison to SCDOT services, and other practices and procedures.
“As appropriate and pursuant to your statutory authority, I further request that you and your office recommend policies and carry out other activities designed to deter, detect, and eradicate fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, misconduct, violations of state or federal law, and wrongdoing… During this review, should you determine that there is reasonable cause to believe that waste, abuse, mismanagement, misconduct, or wrongdoing has occurred or is occurring in connection with the CTCs, please be advised that you must report the suspected conduct to me…”
No date or deadline for completion was provided in the letter.