Coalition of 15 Groups Call for “Immediate Halt” of 6/10 Construction Over Concerns of Contamination

Coalition of 15 Groups Call for “Immediate Halt” of 6/10 Construction Over Concerns of Contamination

A new coalition of 15 groups in Providence called the “Fix the 6/10 Coalition” issued a statement Friday on the contamination at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation project site -- and are calling for the project to be closed until a full environmental assessment can be conducted. 

“We the Fix the 6/10 Coalition call on the Governor and RIDOT to immediately halt construction to assess the public health impacts of this hazardous material on our communities. We ask that our leaders prioritize the health and safety of our residents, above all else, in this and future highway projects,” said the 6/10 Coalition.

Neither Governor Gina Raimondo nor RIDOT Director Peter Alviti responded to requests for comment.

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Latest in 6/10 Concerns

In early September, GoLocal unveiled that one of Rhode Island’s top union officials had repeatedly raised concerns with the lead contractor on the project and with both the Departments of Transportation (RIDOT) and Environmental Management (RIDEM) regarding contaminated soil being shipped into Providence and dumped.

James White, President of Local 57 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, had notified state officials repeatedly -- and both RIDOT and RIDEM officials had failed to take action.

In a statement, the coalition said, “When Route 6/10 was being redesigned, public sentiment strongly supported its redevelopment as a boulevard. Instead, a $400M+ highway construction project was undertaken by Governor Gina Raimondo and Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), and public input was sidelined.”

GoLocal unveiled on Friday that the U.S. Department of Justice has issued subpoenas.

“Amid nationwide and local cries for equity and efforts to dismantle structural racism, the Route 6/10 construction project continues to compound environmental injustices on our neighborhoods. When first constructed, Route 6/10 demolished hundreds of homes and displaced low-income communities of color,” said the Coalition.

“Excessive dust from hazardous material has been an express concern of workers on the site, but undoubtedly poses a long-term and serious risk to our neighbors, many already at higher risk of asthma, cancer, and other health issues. Students of Asa Messer Elementary School, West Broadway Middle School, and Paul Cuffee Middle School are directly impacted, along with businesses and the many residents living in close proximity to this highway,” said the Coalition.

“Polluted stormwater runoff along our sidewalks and streets and into our waterways is also cause for serious concern for the health of our neighbors and the larger watershed.  It is not too late to minimize the harm that this project is imposing upon Providence and our neighbors," the groups added.

Of the total project cost, Barletta Engineering and its partners in the 6-10 Constructors Joint Venture's portion of the project is $247 million. The project was awarded to 6-10 Constructors Joint Venture after it was, the Barletta entities claim, the low bid by “more than 80 million dollars.”

 

The coalition includes:

Childhood Lead Action Project

Cityside at The Wheeler School

Dirt Palace

Environmental Council of Rhode Island

Groundwork Rhode Island

One Neighborhood Builders

Providence Preservation Society

Rhode Island Bicycle Coalition

Rhode Island Transit Riders

The Steel Yard

South Providence Neighborhood Association

West Broadway Neighborhood Association

West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation

The Wilbury Theatre Group

Youth in Action

 

This story was first published 10/16/20 7:04 PM and was updated on 10/17/20 at 7:00 AM