McKee Misses Deadline of “Day of Reckoning” on Washington Bridge — Refuses to Answer Key Questions

McKee Misses Deadline of “Day of Reckoning” on Washington Bridge — Refuses to Answer Key Questions

At a press two weeks ago, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee claimed that he was angry and that the “Day of Reckoning” was coming for those responsible for the failure of the Washington Bridge.

“…and the day of reckoning for those who are responsible for those who are responsible for the position that we are in. The position that the people in the State of Rhode Island are in. That day is coming, and it is coming very soon,” said McKee.

Later, his office told the media that the "reckoning" would be within two weeks.

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Now, the deadline for McKee’s “Day of Reckoning” has come and gone.

Late on Tuesday afternoon, McKee’s press office sent out a message to the media trying to reset expectations and downplay McKee’s previous promise.

McKee’s office failed to answer a number of questions from GoLocal after the delay in the "Day of Reckoning" was announced.

On Monday, a GoLocal editorial asked if Rhode Islanders could trust the claims by McKee and Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti.

 

New Plan

“The McKee Administration is committed to conducting a thorough review of the issues and actions that resulted in the failure of the Washington Bridge,” said Olivia DaRocha, press secretary to McKee.

“While we are eager to identify the root causes, we also understand that a methodical and detailed approach is needed to prepare the State for any potential legal action that would allow us to hold responsible parties accountable,” said DaRocha.

McKee’s office is now claiming that their review will go back 50 years.

“As the forensic team – Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) – dug into this analysis, they determined that many additional archival documents throughout the bridge’s 50-year history must also be retrieved, reviewed and considered in order to create a comprehensive forensic report. These additional tasks have extended the time needed to complete the forensic report. As you know, our independent experts – McNary, Bergeron & Johannesen (MBJ) – will review WJE’s findings as part of this process,” claimed DaRocha.

“Ultimately, the State’s goal is to seek financial recovery from any responsible parties. The Governor’s Office is finalizing plans to engage an outside legal team to support this effort. As we began making these arrangements, it became clear that the release of the forensic report must be carefully coordinated with that legal team, to ensure that we maximize the state’s chances of a successful outcome,” said McKee’s office.

"This change in strategy should help the State create the best case possible for Rhode Island taxpayers. After this analysis is complete, we will share this information with the public," they claimed. 

 

McKee’s Office Refuses to Answer a Number of GoLocal Questions

The McKee office wrote in an email to GoLocal in response to a series of questions on Tuesday night, "The Governor was not confused or misinformed – as this forensic analysis process unfolded further, the forensic team determined that they needed to review additional archival documents which is resulted in additional time needed to complete that process."

GoLocal asked who comprised the "forensic team," but the McKee administration refused to disclose the members' names.

McKee's office also claimed, "Additionally, as we moved further into the process of engaging an outside legal team, it became clear that the release of the forensic report must be coordinated with that legal team to ensure that we maximize the state’s chances of a successful outcome. We are in the process of engaging an outside legal team and will share more information when that process is complete.