TagAudit(3)

A 2023 federal audit found that the FAA has made progress confirming whether state and local governments comply with rules governing how aviation fuel tax revenue must be used, but has not yet verified that compliant jurisdictions are actually spending those funds on aviation-related purposes. Five jurisdictions remain out of compliance and have not faced enforcement action, largely due to congressional guidance encouraging the FAA to delay penalties. The audit resulted in three recommendations to strengthen FAA oversight and prevent airport revenue from being diverted to non-aviation purposes.

The Washington State Auditor's Office conducted an accountability audit of the Port of Seattle covering the period January 1 through December 31, 2021, with the report published on April 6, 2023. The audit examined the Port's compliance with applicable requirements and its safeguarding of public resources, with findings and responses documented in the report. This independent audit was intended to promote transparency and accountability in Port operations for the benefit of management, commissioners, and the public.

The Port of Seattle Commission adopted Resolution No. 3810(AM) in January 2023, updating the rules for how much authority and spending power the Commission delegates to the Executive Director. The revision increased purchasing thresholds that had remained largely unchanged since 2009, reflecting inflation and growing operational demands, while adding stronger reporting and transparency requirements. The new Delegation of Responsibility and Authority (DORA) policy took effect April 3, 2023, and requires periodic reviews at least every five years to ensure it continues to meet the Port's needs.