ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The state Thruway Authority, facing criticism by the state comptroller for its management practices, is turning the blame on the comptroller's own auditors.

The Thruway Authority says Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's (duh-NAP'-oh-lees) auditors failed over recent years to catch the mismanagement under previous governors that's forcing a big increase in truck tolls.

The comptroller released a critical report Wednesday as the authority moves to enact the toll increases Sept. 30. Public hearings are being held statewide this week.

DiNapoli says many other options can be explored before a 45-percent increase in truck tolls is approved for the Thruway.

He says a costly canal system and better fiscal planning and controls should be examined before tolls are increased for trucks with three or more axles.