DETROIT, MI. (AP) -- Projects ranging from a new jail to an animal pound are on hold despite $215 million approved by Detroit voters to pay for such work. The Detroit News reports Wednesday the city has borrowed just a third of the money voters approved in 2004 for construction and improvement projects. The city has spent less because of the bureaucratic process to get such work started.
Members of Mayor Kenneth Cockrel Jr.'s administration say they are working on the problem. But those in line to receive the money say delays in auditing the city's books have complicated the borrowing process.
This year's audit is nearly a year overdue to the state, which decides whether the city can issue bonds. Completed projects include purchasing new buses and firefighting equipment.
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