The Nation - News from Sept. 18, 1989

The Public Housing Authority in Butte, Mont., failed to maintain proper accounting records and implement budgetary controls on a building improvement project, according to an audit report compiled by a regional inspector general in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD’s report said that because of the shortcomings, the department “cannot be sure” money awarded for the projects was being spent “in the most efficient and economical way.” The housing authority operates 356 low-income housing units, and the assistance program provides money to improve the units’ physical condition and upgrade their management. As of March, 1989, $4.8 million had been approved for the projects.