RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Transportation operated under budget during the 2024 fiscal year, according to a new report released by the state auditor’s office.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) spent $7.68 billion between July 2023 and June 2024, remaining below its planned expenditures of $8.26 billion. The current audit report marks the third year the NCDOT has maintained spending limits.
The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor’s (OSA) report found that spending stayed within forecasted limits across all four expenditure categories, representing a marked improvement from five years ago when the NCDOT exceeded its budget by more than $700 million, requiring additional state funding to address the shortfall.
The audit found NCDOT had adequately monitored and enforced its highway division’s compliance in accordance with the SFY 2024 Spending Plan. NCDOT also developed its SFY 2024 Spending Plan based on specific projects and operations, as recommended in previous audits of the department.
“One of the worst things a government can do is large-scale overspending,” State Auditor Dave Boliek said in a press release. “We see it far too often in Washington, but it’s not completely foreign to North Carolina either. I’ll always strive to expose government waste, but I’ll also highlight fiscal responsibility.
“The state Department of Transportation stuck to its budget this past fiscal year, which will only help as infrastructure needs mount in Western North Carolina. I’m grateful to the audit team for putting in the hard work necessary to produce this financial assessment.”
Boliek also noted that the department’s fiscal management could help address mounting infrastructure needs in western North Carolina.
Boliek was elected as state auditor in 2024, replacing Jessica Holmes, a Democrat appointed by former Gov. Roy Cooper. Holmes was appointed after longtime auditor Beth Wood resigned after facing an indictment for a 2022 hit-and-run incident in Raleigh.
In his transmittal letter to the NCDOT, Boliek highlighted the department’s role in building, repairing and improving North Carolina’s roads and bridges, emphasizing its impact on citizens, businesses and governments across the state.
The report also referenced ongoing repair needs in western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. According to the audit, the department’s current financial position should help support infrastructure requirements stemming from the state’s growing economy and storm recovery efforts.
The audit was conducted in cooperation with NCDOT management and employees. Secretary of Transportation Joey Hopkins agreed with the findings in a response letter included in the audit documentation published by the OSA.
“We will continue to improve spend plan development and execution to ensure plan compliance and optimal performance in the future,” Hopkins wrote.
