re: Audit Report on The Missing LDWF Equipment

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943,671 for Boats: In 2011 and 2012, LDWF spent $644,985 to purchase two used offshore boats and one new bay boat for the Venice team’s use. Venice team employees also initiated or used their state credit cards for boat repairs, maintenance, storage, and improvements totaling $298,686. According to members of the Venice team still employed at LDWF, Mr. Newman only allowed one boat to be utilized at a time, and they never operated two crews or two boats at once. Mr. Newman stated that one boat was necessary for offshore and another was necessary for inshore, or shallow waters. According to Mr. Newman, the third boat was a backup for the offshore boat; however, he stated this boat was not operational for at least eight months. It is unclear why this boat was not properly
surplused

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