Unresolved questions about the administration of the state Department of Transportation almost certainly will be answered in an audit requested Wednesday by key House members, including Rep. Bobby Harrell, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. More broadly, the audit request includes a needed review of agency funding, operations and administration.

While the board of the Legislative Audit Council isn't scheduled to meet until next week, it is expected to approve the request in view of the controversy surrounding the department and the fact that it is being sought by the chairman of the House budget committee and seven subcommittee chairmen. The LAC serves as the Legislature's investigative arm.

First, the audit would deal with criticisms raised by highway commission chairman Tee Hooper about the administration of DOT executive director Elizabeth S. Mabry. Mr. Hooper contends that the director has mismanaged the department, wasted resources and lowered morale. He has requested her resignation.

Mrs. Mabry has denied his allegations and the rest of the board has given her a vote of confidence. The board voted to hire a consultant to conduct a review of the DOT, but the independent LAC is a better choice for an agency audit. The LAC is familiar with the DOT from previous audits, and there won't be any suggestion of a whitewash with its review.

The audit should clear the air surrounding the agency, and resolve issues raised by Mr. Hooper, such as the assignment of DOT vehicles to high-ranking officials. But it is expected to do more. The request seeks a wide-ranging examination of finances over the last three years, agency management controls and the possibility of cost savings. It should determine "whether or not the agency is safeguarding its resources against waste, loss and misuse," according to the audit request.

Further, it will examine whether "valid and reliable data is obtained, maintained and disclosed accurately" in DOT's records.

Rep. Harrell, R-Charleston, says the audit "will provide a fair review of the allegations." He describes the DOT as having "a solid reputation ... as one of the most efficient highway departments in the country," adding, "I think what the audit will tell us is that they are doing a good job. But whatever they tell us, we will deal with it accordingly." For example, negative findings could support a change in DOT governance, he said.

Rep. Harrell tells us his father, a long-time highway commissioner representing the 1st District, supports the audit request. In a letter to the editor published Wednesday, Mrs. Mabry said she expects some shortcomings to be found and pledges to respond to any problems.

The LAC review will have far more credibility than a paid consultant's study and legislators who have sought the audit should be applauded for advancing a resolution of the serious issues raised by Chairman Hooper. In addition, the audit offers the prospect of improved performance and greater accountability for one of South Carolina's largest public agencies.