Washington, DC – A Department of Transportation Inspector General (DOT IG) report highlighting concerns with the policies, practices and programs of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) will be the focus of a Congressional hearing on Friday.
The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), will receive testimony from US DOT Secretary Ray LaHood, the DOT IG, and MWAA’s Board chairman.
MWAA is an independent public body responsible for managing some of the Washington, DC region’s major transportation systems and projects, including Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Dulles Toll Road, and an ongoing extension of Metrorail to Dulles Airport. Although not subject to federal or state laws that govern procurement, ethics, civil service, and transparency, the Authority must abide by the provisions and terms of the laws by which it was created and its lease agreement with the federal government (most of the airport property is owned by the federal government). MWAA must also conform to its establishing interstate compact and its own internal policies and processes.
Due to its responsibility in overseeing significant transportation assets, Congress recently requested the DOT IG review MWAA’s management practices and policies, including its accountability, transparency, and governance. The final report was transmitted to Congress on November 1, 2012.
The DOT IG assessed MWAA’s (1) contract award and procurement practices, including compliance with relevant laws, (2) code of ethics for employees, (3) hiring and compensation practices, and (4) accountability and transparency of its Board of Director activities.
Friday’s hearing will examine the significant issues in all these areas uncovered by the DOT IG, the IG’s recommendations to address the issues uncovered, and the Inspector General’s remaining concerns with MWAA practices, policies and interim reforms, which have not been independently reviewed or fully implemented. More information on Friday’s hearing can be found here.
WHAT: Hearing of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. Rep. John Mica (R-FL), Chairman, “Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA): A Review of the Department of Transportation Inspector General’s Findings and Recommendations”
WHEN: 9:00 a.m., Friday, November 16, 2012
WHERE: 2167 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
A live webcast of the hearing will be available here
WITNESSES:
Panel I – Members’ Panel:
• Honorable Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11)
Panel II:
• Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
Panel III:
• Honorable Calvin L. Scovel, III, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Honorable Michael A. Curto, Chairman of the Airports Authority Board, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority
Accompanied by: John E. Potter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority
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