D.C. Trip Expenses

By Lena Vargas

Story
Video

Summary

Local lawmakers went to a conference for counties (NACA). When we asked how much they spent, the estimates were lower than they really billed.

Story Published: Mar 17, 2010 at 5:32 PM PST

TRI-CITIES -- Local lawmakers went to a conference for counties (NACA).

When we asked how much they spent, the estimates were lower than they really billed.

On Tuesday, Benton County Commissioner Leo Bowman told us he thought he spent about $1,500 on the trip. But when the county provided us the official breakdown, it was more than twice that.

Franklin County Commissioner Rick Miller estimated an amount that was $500 less than he spent.

“I almost feel like I'm defending myself for going there. And I am. But I think most people know it's important. It's important,” said Miller.

So important, Commissioner Miller does not believe the county could have gotten almost $2 million to finish the alternative road started after a Road 170 landslide a few years ago.

He says he got a guarantee today that that money will come through and be available in the next two months. His hope is the new Road 170 in Basin City will be done by the Fall of 2010.

Despite our requests, Commissioner Bowman did not agree to a follow-up interview to ask about his expenses. But he and the county did provide documents detailing his expenses.

On Tuesday, he told us a previous trip secured $2.5 million for the Red Mountain Interchange, but millions more are needed. He and Commissioner Miller both say the money for big projects come in pieces, especially in this recession and with all the other big issues Congress is tackling right now.