The $52 million project to replace the failure known as MNLARS appears to be progressing on-time and under budget, but auditors are already raising concerns.

The state will reimburse 179 deputy registrars a total of $13 million for lost business incurred when the computer system wasn't working properly.

Gov. Tim Walz said he's following a third-party review that recommended abandoning the costly and troubled MNLARS system for a prepackaged software solution.

Tarek Tomes, the former CIO of St. Paul, will take over the state's IT leadership as it seeks to get a problem-addled vehicle registration system under control.

The new funding will go toward ongoing development of MNLARS systems and additional customer service staffing.

A report from the legislative auditor's office blames the struggling $100 million system on an amorphous band of public safety and IT department leaders.

Gov. Tim Walz asked lawmakers for more money for the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System, which has already const the state more than $100 million.

Newly inaugurated Gov. Tim Walz has not named a replacement technology official, and says he's "not going to rush" the decision.

The infamous Minnesota Licensing and Registration System, or MNLARS, has been named the culprit.

The project known as MNLARS has faced continual challenges since launching almost a year ago.