Audit: $600M state biz incentive program flawed

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) State auditors say Utah economic development officials aren't doing enough to make sure companies who get tax credits are keeping their promises to create new, high-paying jobs.A new audit released Tuesday says the Governor's Office of Economic Development has committed to tax credits worth $600 million over the last five years through its corporate incentives program.But auditors say the state agency gave some companies special treatment, failed to make sure others were creating the positions they promised and allowed companies to get tax breaks for jobs that paid below-average wages.Director Val Hale says the audit shows how the agency could tighten up its policies, but he disagrees with some of the employment findings.He says the program has helped create nearly 12,000 new jobs.Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.