Feds worried state lacks staffing to take on big stimulus bill projects

SPRINGFIELD -- Federal officials worry Illinois' Department of Transportation is too understaffed to take on major projects that could be included in a federal stimulus bill.

That's according to a letter from the Federal Highway Administration to IDOT obtained by The Associated Press.

The letter warns a depleted IDOT work force might lack the "resources and skills" to oversee what could be $1 billion in highway projects from the proposed federal stimulus.

IDOT's payroll has dropped from 7,800 in mid-2002 to an average of 6,250 last year.

State officials are counting on Illinois' share of the federal money to help plug a projected $9 billion budget deficit.

Illinois could lose money if IDOT doesn't heed the federal warning.

Spokeswoman Paris Ervin says IDOT officials are talking with the Highway Administration.