More concerns raised by agency move

SPRINGFIELD -- A member of a state purchasing oversight panel is questioning the legality of the acquisition of a Harrisburg building by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The agency's Traffic Safety Division will be relocated to Harrisburg.

Ed Bedore on Wednesday told the Procurement Policy Board his understanding of state law indicates the Department of Central Management Services is the only state agency authorized to purchase buildings.

However, Central Management Services assistant director Matthew Beaudet says state law gives both IDOT and the Department of Natural Resources the authority to acquire property.

IDOT did not send a representative to the meeting to answer questions about the agency's move.

Although opposed by some legislators, Governor Rod Blagojevich says the IDOT move will help stimulate the depressed economy of southern Illinois.