Statement on CT Port Authority Audit: “This audit is screaming for a public hearing.”

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano (R-North Haven) today renewed his calls for a second public hearing on the Connecticut Port Authority following the release of a State Auditors’ report on the quasi-public agency detailing alleged misuse of state funds.

“This audit is screaming for a public hearing,” said Fasano. “The Connecticut Port Authority needs to earn back the public’s trust. We need to have confidence in this quasi-public to be a responsible leader when it comes to managing many very important state projects. But the only way to do that is to fully air out these problems. The slow drip of information only further damages the public trust. We need complete transparency. We need to hear from multiple whistleblowers who have spoken to the press and others. We need to hear from the employees and board members who allegedly misused funds and approved such spending. We need to learn more about the Comptroller’s statements regarding the misreporting of financials. This audit also raises serious questions about the Port Authority’s immense legal fees and law firm contracts that need to be answered. The Transportation Committee co-chairs have failed to hold a second public hearing thus far. With this audit, they must convene a public hearing immediately that at the very least must include appearances by the State Auditors, the Comptroller, Scott Bates, Evan Matthews, Bonnie Reemsnyder, Gerri Lewis, Adam Lavigne, Diane Wolff and Cassandra Berthiaume. This audit raises even further questions about the practices and policies within the Port Authority that must be addressed.”