Audit 318387

FY End
2021-06-30
Total Expended
$2.24M
Findings
4
Programs
1
Organization: Great Redwood Trail Agency (CA)
Year: 2021 Accepted: 2024-09-03

Organization Exclusion Status:

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Findings

ID Ref Severity Repeat Requirement
485614 2021-001 Significant Deficiency Yes L
485615 2021-002 - Yes P
1062056 2021-001 Significant Deficiency Yes L
1062057 2021-002 - Yes P

Programs

ALN Program Spent Major Findings
20.316 Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program $2.24M Yes 2

Contacts

Name Title Type
Z74SLKF1X7Y4 Elaine Hogan Auditee
7074633280 Kellin Gilbert Auditor
No contacts on file

Notes to SEFA

Title: Basis of Presentation Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Office of Management Budget Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. GRTA did not pass-through and funds to sub recipients during the year. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: GRTA did not elect to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The accompanying schedule of expenditures of federal awards (the Schedule) includes the federal loan balance of the Great Redwood Trail Agency (“GRTA”) formerly known as North Coast Railroad Authority (“NCRA”) under programs of the federal government for the years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020. The information in the Schedule is presented in accordance with the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulation (“CFR”) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”). Because the Schedule presents only a selected portion of the operations of GRTA, it is not intended to and does not present the financial position, changes in net position, or cash flows of GRTA.
Title: Federal Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Office of Management Budget Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. GRTA did not pass-through and funds to sub recipients during the year. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: GRTA did not elect to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. The Federal Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program is administered directly by GRTA and balances and transactions relating to this program are included in GRTA's basic financial statements. The loan balance as of June 30, 2021 and 2020 is as listed on the schedule of expenditures of federal awards.
Title: Federal Expenditures Incurred in Prior Years Accounting Policies: Expenditures reported on the Schedule are reported on the accrual basis of accounting. Such expenditures are recognized following the cost principles contained in Office of Management Budget Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments, wherein certain types of expenditures are not allowable or are limited as to reimbursement. GRTA did not pass-through and funds to sub recipients during the year. De Minimis Rate Used: N Rate Explanation: GRTA did not elect to use the 10 percent de minimis indirect cost rate allowed under the Uniform Guidance. GRTA’s costs under the Federal Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program were incurred in the following fiscal years: Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2010 $ 6 27,662 2011 2,093,998 2012 458,340 Total $ 3,180,000

Finding Details

Findings and Questioned Costs for Federal Awards U.S. Department of Transportation Program Name: Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program CFDA# 20.316 Finding 2021-1 Significant Deficiency Material noncompliance Lack of reporting under Financial and Project Reports requirement 4.6 Criteria: Per the agreement with Federal Railroad Administration for the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Loan, GRTA must provide audited financial statements within 120 days after fiscal year end. Condition: GRTA did not provide the audited financial statements within the required timeframe. Questioned costs: Not applicable Context: As of 120 days after year end, GRTA was unable to provide audited financial statements to the Administer. Effect: No definitive effect of missing this deadline was noted. Cause: GRTA lacked the financial resources needed to complete the audit on a timely basis. Recommendation: GRTA should develop a schedule to complete the audit on a timely basis and prioritize the use of its financial resources accordingly. View of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: GRTA will develop a time schedule to ensure that the audits are completed within 120 days after the fiscal year end. GRTA will set aside certain annual encroachment lease payments to ensure that financial resources will be available to pay for the audit services.
Findings and Questioned Costs for Federal Awards (continued) U.S. Department of Transportation Program Name: Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program CFDA# 20.316 Finding 2021-2 Material noncompliance Failure to meet Financial Test requirement 4.7 Criteria: Per the agreement with Federal Railroad Administration for the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Loan, GRTA must maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.05 at the end of each fiscal year. Condition: GRTA did not maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than 1.05. Questioned costs: Not applicable Context: GRTA’s fixed coverage ratio was less than 1.05 at the end of the fiscal year. Effect: No definitive effect of not maintaining the ratio was noted. Cause: GRTA had a net loss from operations at the end of the fiscal year, resulting in a fixed coverage ratio of less than 1.05. Recommendation: We recommend that GRTA work with the Administrator to obtain an amendment to the agreement with achievable financial ratios. View of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: GRTA acknowledges that the required fixed coverage ratio of not less than 1.05 is not currently attainable and will contract the FRA to determine whether an amendment to the agreement can be made.
Findings and Questioned Costs for Federal Awards U.S. Department of Transportation Program Name: Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program CFDA# 20.316 Finding 2021-1 Significant Deficiency Material noncompliance Lack of reporting under Financial and Project Reports requirement 4.6 Criteria: Per the agreement with Federal Railroad Administration for the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Loan, GRTA must provide audited financial statements within 120 days after fiscal year end. Condition: GRTA did not provide the audited financial statements within the required timeframe. Questioned costs: Not applicable Context: As of 120 days after year end, GRTA was unable to provide audited financial statements to the Administer. Effect: No definitive effect of missing this deadline was noted. Cause: GRTA lacked the financial resources needed to complete the audit on a timely basis. Recommendation: GRTA should develop a schedule to complete the audit on a timely basis and prioritize the use of its financial resources accordingly. View of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: GRTA will develop a time schedule to ensure that the audits are completed within 120 days after the fiscal year end. GRTA will set aside certain annual encroachment lease payments to ensure that financial resources will be available to pay for the audit services.
Findings and Questioned Costs for Federal Awards (continued) U.S. Department of Transportation Program Name: Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program CFDA# 20.316 Finding 2021-2 Material noncompliance Failure to meet Financial Test requirement 4.7 Criteria: Per the agreement with Federal Railroad Administration for the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Loan, GRTA must maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.05 at the end of each fiscal year. Condition: GRTA did not maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of greater than 1.05. Questioned costs: Not applicable Context: GRTA’s fixed coverage ratio was less than 1.05 at the end of the fiscal year. Effect: No definitive effect of not maintaining the ratio was noted. Cause: GRTA had a net loss from operations at the end of the fiscal year, resulting in a fixed coverage ratio of less than 1.05. Recommendation: We recommend that GRTA work with the Administrator to obtain an amendment to the agreement with achievable financial ratios. View of responsible officials and planned corrective actions: GRTA acknowledges that the required fixed coverage ratio of not less than 1.05 is not currently attainable and will contract the FRA to determine whether an amendment to the agreement can be made.