Legislative auditors slam $24M WV router deal - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

Legislative auditors slam $24M WV router deal

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By Jessie Shafer, Reporter - bio | email

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Legislative auditors believe West Virginia officials misspent millions in federal stimulus dollars.

Sunday's report sharply criticizes the 2010 decision to buy more than 1,000 expensive routers for connecting to the Internet.

The routers were part of a $24 million deal that officials say will help build a long-lasting network offering high-speed Internet access statewide. They chose the high-capacity routers to create network hubs at schools, libraries and other community institutions.

The audit largely slams that decision The report estimates the state could have saved nearly $9 million by buying smaller-capacity models for libraries, State Police barracks and most schools.

Among other recommendations, auditors say officials should consider barring future state contracts with router manufacturer Cisco.

The U.S. Commerce Department's inspector general criticized West Virginia stimulus spending last month.