EPA Hasn’t Properly Tracked Water Grants, Watchdog Says (1)

The EPA hasn’t consistently made sure congressionally authorized grants for water projects have been spent, according to a report published Thursday from the agency’s internal watchdog.

The findings add to a steady call from the Trump administration that the Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t done a good job of tracking federal funding. In this case, however, the Office of Inspector General notified the current EPA leadership because the OIG’s concerns are ongoing.

Of the 291 active grants the watchdog reviewed, 58% hadn’t drawn down their awarded funds—worth $269 million—within six months. In 73% of those cases, EPA staff ...