N.C. Spent 30 Percent of Homeland Security Budget, Audit Says

State and local agencies in North Carolina have spent just 30 percent of the money granted to the state for Homeland Security over the last five years, a new state audit found last week.

According to the Associated Press’ Gary D. Robertson, North Carolina’s state and local agencies have spent $64.7 million of the $217.4 million in grants awarded to the state. Robertson says the audit cites bureaucratic delays and organizational problems as the reason for the lack of spending.

The auditor’s report says spending was slowed by the massive coordination required to develop plans for spending the money. In some cases, up to 10 different local agencies were required to sign off on certain projects.

Robertson says the report, however, doesn't mean the state has millions of dollars lying around unused. He says the grants are provided as reimbursement after state and local governments spend the money up front.

Aside from these problems, State Auditor Ralph Campbell, Jr. told Robertson the state is doing a good job using the grants for their intended purposes following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Auditors found relatively few errors and questionable expenses, he said.

To read Robertson’s full report, click here: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/nc/ncwire_news/story/1746626p-8021329c.html