The state Department of Transportation has two big problems: a lack of money and a lack of accountability. State lawmakers need to deal aggressively with both issues.

Elizabeth Mabry, the DOT's executive director, recently declared a state "transportation funding crisis" and asked state lawmakers to increase the agency's annual funding by $1 billion over the next decade. No doubt the agency needs more money -- and the safety of motorists and the state's economic vitality depend on a well-maintained system of highways. But the DOT's track record of irresponsible spending demands also that the agency be held more accountable for $1.2 billion budget it already receives.

Gov. Mark Sanford is right that the agency should be restructured and brought under the direct leadership of the governor. Currently, the DOT is run by a seven-member highway commission. The chairman is appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and legislative delegations appoint the six commissioners.

The DOT commission has failed to hold the agency accountable despite recent abuses and a history of cronyism. Greenville News reporter Tim Smith last year reported that the DOT in 1999 awarded contracts totaling $250 million to consultants for 72 different road projects. According to a newspaper analysis, the agency could have hired staff to do the work for up to $90 million less.

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Other notable abuses: The agency last year purchased SUVs for its top executives and paid Commissioner Bobby Jones more than $111,000 between terms on the commission to perform what amounted to public relations work for Mabry.

Lawmakers ideally would reform the agency to improve accountability and spending practices before providing more money for the DOT. But reform must happen soon so that lawmakers can then boost funding -- lives literally depend on it. South Carolina's highway fatality rate is partly attributable to our state's narrow, poorly built and poorly maintained highways and bridges. The state spends less than any other on road maintenance.

The DOT makes a good case for raising the gas tax, which hasn't been increased since 1987 -- although high gas prices would make that an extremely unpopular decision. Mabry suggests other financing possibilities including a sales tax on gas, raising the sales tax cap on cars and rental car fees.

The problem is that the Legislature has balked at both reforming the DOT and providing increased revenue for the agency. But lawmakers can't keep ignoring the problems. Without aggressive reform, economic development in the state will suffer and South Carolina will continue to hold the shameful distinction of having some of the deadliest roads in the nation.