Ohio watchdog questions stipends for bridge bids

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state watchdog says the Ohio highway department’s plan to award $1 million stipends to unsuccessful bidders on a major bridge project could be a misuse of funds.

The Ohio Inspector General said in a report Friday it’s not clear the Department of Transportation has the authority to pay the stipends, meant to attract firms reluctant to expend resources on bids for huge jobs.

The state has selected three companies to bid on the $450 million project to build a new bridge for Interstate 90 in Cleveland. The department says the companies will be required to document costs before payments are authorized.

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