SEATTLE -- Reports of alleged abuse and fraud, and a federal investigation, have prompted a shake up at the Port of Seattle, and now port commissioners vow to change the way they operate.

Public outrage was so widespread, a 2-hour meeting Tuesday lasted hours longer

A state audit detailing $97 million of waste by the port is what provoked the outrage. Then came news the Department of Justice had launched a criminal investigation.

"I think somebody needs to step out and hold these people accountable," said King County resident Stephanie Dotson. "I know I'm one small voice, but by God, I'm going to be here and speak with it."

Angry taxpayers packed the Port of Seattle's commission chamber demanding an explanation to alleged reports of abuse, fraud, and misuse.

Commissioners responded with an action plan, vowing to change the way they operate.

"We have apparently been in an era where a culture of non accountability was tolerated," said Port Commisioner Gael Tarleton. "We are moving to a culture of accountability."

The so-called action plan lays out three changes:

* Stronger oversight for major projects -- including public meetings in the community
* Public reports for projects over $10 million.
* A new employee code of conduct that stresses openess and accountability.

Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani agreed to the changes, but he insisted the port did not waste money on Sea-Tac's third runway, as the audit alleges.

"By the time the contract was awarded, there was a region-wide, worldwide construction boom and the cost of materials was skyrocketing at that point," he said.

He says cost increases led to an inflated budget -- not fraud or misuse of public money.

But while Yoshitani insists fraud was not committed, he has set up a fraud hotline for employees to report abuse.