Friday Night Truck Toll Hearings Prompt Federal Complaint by RI Trucking Assoc.

GoLocalProv News Team and Rachel Nunes

Friday Night Truck Toll Hearings Prompt Federal Complaint by RI Trucking Assoc.

RIDOT schedules a truck toll hearing for Friday night
The head of the Rhode Island Trucking Association is filing a federal complaint and said he is not participating in Friday night's truck toll hearings at three locations across Rhode Island -- calling it "not an equitable and worthwhile process."

"We're not going to attend the hearings tonight. They've watered down the process. It's not a fair way to proceed," said Chris Maxwell, President, and CEO of the Rhode Island Trucking Association. "We'll submit our comments nationally and locally in writing -- we don't feel this is an equitable and worthwhile process." 

Maxwell noted that he will be submitting a federal complaint with the Federal Highway Administration over the hearing process. 

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DOT Defends Friday Night Hearings

RIDOT scheduled the hearings for 6 p.m. Friday to allow for public comment on the Environmental Assesment of several truck toll locations across the state.

The hearings will be held at Toll Gate High School, Mount Pleasant High School, and Central Falls High School.

Charles St. Martin, spokesperson for RIDOT, said Friday night was chosen because it is a "convenient night" for residents. 

"Most people are out of work in the evening, and don't have to get up early for work the next day," St. Martin told GoLocalProv. "We thought it would be the most convenient."

St. Martin added that Friday was the first available day after a mandatory 15-day waiting period required following "federal permission" being granted to hold public hearings. He said the hearing locations were chosen by the department to maximize ease of access throughout the state for the public. 

In the past, St. Martin said, turnout has been reasonable at other Friday evening meetings and RIDOT expects the same in this case.

Morgan Blasts Process

Republican gubernatorial candidate Patricia Morgan slammed the decision as "yet another instance of inaccessibility" by Governor Raimondo's administration.

"This reinforces the fact that there is no willingness in the administration to be open and transparent," Morgan said. "It's the same issue I've been fighting for four years...I'm disgusted by this administration."

A release from RIDOT reminded the public that an additional hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 21 at 6 p.m. in the same location as Friday's hearings. 

Written comment can also be submitted up until August 22.

On Friday, RITA filed a formal complaint with the Rhode Island Board of Elections, saying WPRO's weekly "Ask the DOT" segment violates campaign contribution rules. 
 


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