Despite a new state crime lab, tax dollars for additional analysts and automated testing, the backlog of cases waiting for DNA testing at the state's crime labs continues to grow.

Figures show the state crime labs in Madison and Milwaukee will end 2006 with evidence in more than 1,700 cases still waiting for DNA testing.

Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager blames the backlog on law enforcement agencies submitting more and more pieces of evidence that need testing. She says the number of submissions has grown 91% from 2003 to 2006.

But the number of cases completed has also increased -- from 1,225 in 2003 to 1,685 in 2006.

Incoming Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen says he'll give the labs more money and personnel if necessary to end the backlog.