Comptroller Revokes DOT Contracting Privileges

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today rejected a $27 million federal stimulus contract between the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and Hicksville-based L&L Painting Co. Inc. because of unanswered questions related to the company’s role in a federal investigation and other problems. The contract was for painting the Bruckner Expressway Viaduct and ramps on I-278.

In a letter to DOT today, DiNapoli also revoked some of DOT’s contracting privileges and imposed more stringent contracting requirements on DOT. DiNapoli said the changes were implemented because questions have arisen in recent months about whether DOT has been thoroughly investigating issues related to vendors.

“DOT is putting federal stimulus money at risk,” DiNapoli said. “There’s pressure to spend stimulus money quickly, but quickly doesn’t mean state agencies should be cutting corners. DOT has a responsibility to thoroughly investigate businesses with problems in their past. Every stimulus dime counts, and DOT has to do a better job of safeguarding stimulus funds.

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