Auditors said the MetroLink extension project placed serious financial burdens on the agency's operating budget.

The project's construction cost exceeded its original budget by $136 million.

Montee also said Metro's board paid bonuses, executive stipends, severance payments and retroactive raises to three executive employees and salaried employees, and retention incentives to 14 engineering employees.

Montee will release details of the audit at a late morning news conference. Metro plans to respond this afternoon. © Copyright 2009, St. Louis Public Radio