March 8, 2002
The Honorable, The Legislature:
As requested by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, we have completed an evaluation of the State's vehicle emissions testing program in southeastern Wisconsin. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) determines the parameters of the program in accordance with federal Clean Air Act requirements, while the Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for administering the State's contract with a private firm that operates the testing stations. In calendar year 2001, approximately 784,000 vehicle emissions tests were performed at a total cost of $11.2 million. Motorists pay no fee for testing, which is supported by federal funds, the State's Transportation Fund, and general purpose revenue.
Wisconsin implemented its vehicle emissions testing program to comply with the federal Clean Air Act and to reduce ozone levels. Currently, the program requires most vehicles registered in Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha counties to be tested every two years. Although testing is a federal mandate, states have some discretion in designing their programs. Overall, Wisconsin's program is more stringent than the applicable federal model. As a result, DNR officials believe federal air quality standards will be attained in 2002, five years earlier than the federal deadline. The Legislature could consider changing the current program as long as the changes would have no significant effect of emissions levels. We have suggested several options for the Legislature to consider.
We found several areas in which DOT's management of the contract with the private testing firm was inadequate. For example, DOT has not attempted to renegotiate contract payments despite testing volumes 14.7 to 18.2 percent below those anticipated when the contract began in 1995. In addition, the contractor has failed to meet waiting time standards at a number of testing stations over the course of the contract, but DOT has not pursued liquidated damages for these violations.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by DNR and DOT. The agencies' responses are appendices 5 and 6.
Sincerely,
Janice Mueller
State Auditor
__________________
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
March 6, 2002
The Honorable, The Senate:
I am pleased to nominate and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint Thompson, Kelli,
of Whitefish Bay, as a member of the Personnel Commission, to serve for the interim term ending March 1, 2004.
Sincerely,
SCOTT McCALLUM
Governor
Read and referred to committee on Labor and Agriculture.
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
March 6, 2002
The Honorable, The Senate:
I am pleased to nominate and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint Sorenson, Steven R.,
of Ripon, as a member of the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission, to serve for the interim term ending March 1, 2007.
Sincerely,
SCOTT McCALLUM
Governor
Read and referred to committee on Labor and Agriculture.
Office of the Governor
March 6, 2002
The Honorable, The Senate:
I am pleased to nominate and with the advice and consent of the Senate, do appoint Raemisch, Richard F.,
of Waunakee, as a member of the Tax Appeals Commission, to serve for the interim term ending March 1, 2003.
Sincerely,
SCOTT McCALLUM
Governor
Read and referred to committee on Universities, Housing, and Government Operations.
__________________
Relating to accessibility requirements for commercial buildings and structures.
Submitted by Department of Commerce.
Report received from Agency, March 8, 2002.
Referred to committee on Universities, Housing, and Government Operations, March 11, 2002
.
Relating to construction of public buildings and places of employment.
Submitted by Department of Commerce.
Report received from Agency, March 7, 2002.
Referred to committee on Universities, Housing, and Government Operations, March 11, 2002
.
__________________
The committee on Education reports and recommends:
Relating to the children at risk program.
No action taken.
Relating to the elimination of obsolete rules.
No action taken.
No action taken.
Richard Grobschmidt
Chairperson
__________________
By John A. Scocos, chief clerk.
Mr. President:
I am directed to inform you that the Assembly has amended and concurred in as amended:
Senate Bill 250
(Assembly amendment 1)
Concurred in:
Senate Bill 178
Senate Bill 307
__________________
Senate amendment 3 to Senate Bill 460 offered by Senator Hansen.
__________________
Senate Enrolled Proposals
The Chief Clerk records:
Senate Bill 378
Senate Bill 415
Senate Bill 479
Report correctly enrolled on March 11, 2002.
