Battle Over Washington Bridge Hearings Takes a Turn, “We Dispute Gov’s Contention”

Battle Over Washington Bridge Hearings Takes a Turn, “We Dispute Gov’s Contention”

Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson announced that they are proceeding with a third hearing on the failed Washington Bridge.

The first two hearings were widely criticized, and neither legislative leader has been willing to criticize the failure of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti.

Alviti has close political ties to the Laborers’ International Union and Armand Sabitoni. Lawson, in fact, pushed through a raise for Alviti.

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The legislative leaders claim they will move forward with more vigorous hearing(s) this time. They “met yesterday to discuss the logistics of a joint hearing of the House and Senate Oversight Committees on the Washington Bridge, which they are planning for November. Due to the ongoing litigation related to the Washington Bridge, Speaker Shekarchi and President Lawson have consulted with Attorney General Peter Neronha,” according to a press release.

In a letter to the legislative leaders sent on Wednesday, Governor McKee stated that RIDOT employees could not respond to questions from oversight committees about the failure of the bridge without potentially jeopardizing the state’s case. 

“We dispute the Governor’s contention and have confirmed that Attorney General Neronha supports our plan to conduct oversight, including placing RIDOT and other witnesses under oath,” said Shekarchi and Lawson.

“The people of Rhode Island deserve transparency and accountability, and I support Speaker Shekarchi and Senate President Lawson in their mission here,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Though my office seeks to hold accountable several contractor companies for what we allege was negligent behavior, that doesn’t mean those in state leadership charged with maintaining our roads and bridges get a free pass. We must know the full truth, and these hearings can absolutely provide helpful insight.”

Speaker Shekarchi and President Lawson added, “We look forward to a thorough and rigorous examination of the new information contained in the forensic report that was released publicly last Friday. The public deserves answers after nearly two years of major disruption due to the closure of this vital highway, which connects and touches all Rhode Islanders.”