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Audit Cites Improper Use of Millions

AUSTIN, TX (AP) - An audit of the state’s spending of nearly $600 million in federal antiterrorism funds found that some of the money was spent improperly, including to buy a trailer that was used to haul lawn mowers to “lawn mower drag races.”

The state auditor’s office pointed out several cases in which poor monitoring by the Texas Engineering Extension Service may have allowed abuse.

One county bought 18 radios and other communications equipment from a company owned by one of its county commissioners, according to the report released. Another jurisdiction used a trailer ostensibly bought as emergency equipment to haul lawn mowers to races, the report says.

State auditors have forwarded the case to their special investigation unit, which handles fraud, abuse and other criminal allegations.

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