MADISON, Wis. (WTAQ) - The state Transportation Department is paying an extra $14 million this year to have private consultants do work that state employees could do for less – if they had enough staff.

WISC-TV in Madison reviewed 300 projects – and it found 80 percent of them lacked the proper state workers for the jobs.

DOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb said he had no choice but to hire outside contractors. He said his agency is filling about 50 engineering positions – but 15 percent of DOT jobs will still remain vacant.

Governor Scott Walker has increased major highway projects as part of his budget for the next two years.