State Highway Administrator Larry Goode approved the payment. Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and two other agencies announced Feb. 6 that they had formed a task force to examine hundreds of road projects built or planned since 1993. Edwards and Williamson resigned amid allegations they d used their positions to benefit their businesses, clients or relatives. Grady was not re-appointed following reported conflicts.
Federal officials refuse to comment on the investigation.
But agents decision to question the appraisers and collect their business records within days of launching the investigation indicates their interest in the Stroud-Midyette deal. Another Raleigh appraiser who asked that his name not be published said that he also was questioned Wednesday and had talked with agents more than 90 minutes. Both appraisers said they have been subpoenaed to appear before the grand jury.