IL Embroiled in Controversy Over Diversion of Road Funds

Were half or only a quarter of funds used for other purposes?

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation is disputing an audit report that says less than half of state road money is being used as intended.

The department disputes the percentage, saying 25 percent of the state's road fund was spent on other parts of state government.

Paris Ervin, IDOT spokeswoman, said a calculation that "less than half" of the road money went to building roads fails to tell the entire story.

"Approximately 75 percent of the road fund is spent on IDOT expenses, which includes safety, snow plowing, road safety programs, such as seat belt enforcement, construction maintenance," Ervin said in an email.