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Inspector General Says Steamship Authority Wasted Millions on Failed Website Overhaul

The watchdog faults weak oversight, urging legislative review.

Overview

  • A nearly 60-page report released Thursday finds the 2022 website project burned at least $2 million and possibly more than $4 million before it was halted in September 2025.
  • Investigators say leaders prioritized a public-facing redesign over an overhaul of the aging reservation system despite a 2018 consultant warning to fix the back end first.
  • The report cites minimal board oversight and faults the general manager for lacking a qualified project lead and for not keeping directors fully informed as costs rose.
  • Concerns are raised about former general manager Bob Davis serving as a paid senior advisor as incoming leader Alex Kryska begins in January 2026.
  • The Steamship Authority says it is reviewing the findings and declined specific comment, and it has planned a combined launch of a revamped website and new reservation system next fall.