We have determined there is no reasonable cause to believe there has been a violation of state law. Our investigation disclosed the employee uses a permanently assigned state-owned vehicle to travel from the employee s temporary duty station and residence in Vancouver, Washington to Longview and Tumwater, Washington, to conduct state business. While in travel status, the employee is reimbursed for travel expenses incurred. The permanently assigned state-owned vehicle is stored at the employee s residence. The Department determined this to be more economical than the purchase, lease or rental of a commercial garage or other parking facility.
State law allows commute trips between the employee s residence and temporary duty station.
The employee s position requires state business to be conducted in Vancouver, Longview and Tumwater, Washington. A Deputy Director authorized the assignment of the state-owned vehicle and storage at the employee's official residence. The travel reimbursements for this employee were in compliance with state laws and regulations. We conclude the travel completed by the employee was allowable under state laws and regulations and had been approved by the Department. When storing the vehicle at an employee s residence is more advantageous or economical to the state than the purchase, lease, or rental of a commercial garage or other parking facility . . .