News From The Connecticut First Coalition
Dec 13, 2007 -- /prbuzz/ --(Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut First Coalition along with state construction industry leaders during a press conference today requested that University of Connecticut officials immediately begin an independent audit of the construction process in light of last week’s request by a member of the oversight committee after accusing the school of violating state statues by failing to report the shifting of funds.

“I am very glad to see Governor Rell responding so quickly to the situation. Now, we need to move ahead by looking back and having and independent audit of the whole budget process. Thanks to U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, state construction industry representatives and leaders from the Connecticut First Coalition finally met with University of Connecticut construction officials about a year ago to begin coordinating building and construction efforts. In light of what was discovered this week in relation to illegal fund activities, we are calling on the UConn officials to initiate an immediate audit of the whole building and construction process. We can’t afford to waste anymore taxpayer dollars,” said Charles LeConche, director, Connecticut First Coalition.

As reported in the media, Charles Urso, a member of the University of Connecticut's construction committee, accused the school of breaking state law because it failed to report findings that showed that the university shifted construction money between accounts without approval. Urso called for an independent audit to look into past practice of transferring costs between projects due to state laws requiring the university to promptly notify the state auditor or the comptroller about misallocated state funds.

”I am requesting immediate talks to begin with UConn and construction industry officials to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely throughout the construction development process. Spending safeguards need to be put in place assuring all of us that our tax dollars are being invested properly. Unfortunately, there are still UConn officials still onboard that want to prevent a thorough audit of the construction process. Connecticut taxpayers have been facing this ongoing resistance for too long. UConn Board of Trustees Chairman Rowe’s objection to reviewing the matter is just as unsettling as the news about illegal fund activities,” said LeConche.

During the last eight months, officials from the Connecticut First Coalition, Connecticut Construction Industries Association, Associated General Contractors of Connecticut and Minority Construction Council met twice with U.S. Congressman Joseph Courtney (2nd CT) and UConn officials to discuss methods to improve efficiencies in the construction development and building process.

The Connecticut First Coalition supports laws that promote responsible Connecticut contractors and the people who work for them. The group also supports training and apprenticeship programs for Connecticut residents and the use of project labor agreements, which cities and towns have employed to put their residents back to work. The Connecticut First Coalition consists of hundreds of individuals, organizations, political and civic leaders and businesses that are promoting “Connecticut First”. The efforts of the group since its inception over a year ago have helped to create new jobs in the state, led to keeping more taxpayer money being spent within Connecticut and helped to uncover taxpayer waste in the development of poorly constructed buildings. Members of the Connecticut First Coalition include Minority Construction Council, Associated General Contractors, Connecticut Construction Industries Association and the Laborers’ District Council. For more information about the Connecticut First Coalition, visit www.ctfirst.com.

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For more information: Ron Dresner
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(860) 523-7500
cell (860) 305-7728
About the Press Release
In Light Of The Recent Request By A University Of Connecticut Construction Committee Member For An Independent Audit, Connecticut First Coalition & Construction Industry Leaders Call For Immediate Talks With School Officials To Push For Thorough Audit Program


 
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