By AP/KWMU
Springfield, ILl. – State officials and highway engineers are questioning why Illinois is spending $522,000 on pressure-washing jobs during a state budget crisis.
PWS Environmental has contracts with the Transportation Department to wash IDOT buildings, bridges, tunnels, rest areas and even domes that store road salt.
The Cicero firm has contributed $25,000 to Governor Rod Blagojevich's campaign fund.
State Senator Dale Risinger (R-Peoria), a former IDOT district Engineer, says the state should concentrate on fixing roads instead of making buildings look brighter.
Retired IDOT maintenance engineers Jerry Allen and Mike Rippel say state workers always cleaned bridges.
The agency says washing structures extends their lives and cuts down on repairs.