Forensic Audit Triggers Oversight Hearing on Washington Bridge Collapse

Legislative Leaders Plan Additional Oversight Hearing on Washington Bridge Crisis

Legislative leaders in Rhode Island are preparing for another oversight hearing regarding the Washington Bridge scandal, following the release of a forensic audit that revealed state officials were aware of structural issues long before the bridge was closed in 2023. House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Val Lawson expressed deep concern over the findings, which showed that the McKee administration and state prosecutors had withheld the audit from the public for over a year and a half.

The audit, which came to light after being reported by Target 12, was initially refused by the state for more than 18 months. A spokesperson for the administration stated that they only learned about the document through media coverage. The General Assembly has already held two oversight hearings on the matter, one in early 2024 and another earlier this year. During these sessions, R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti testified on multiple occasions.

Shekarchi and Lawson have indicated that the next hearing will be “rigorous” and may involve putting state officials, including Alviti, under oath. This comes after state Sen. Sam Zurier, vice chair of the Senate Oversight Committee, urged legislative leadership to hold additional hearings, citing the importance of transparency and accountability.

Zurier criticized RIDOT for not releasing the audit as previously promised, stating that it was unacceptable for the public to learn about the findings through a media investigation. He questioned what other important information might be hidden in the 22,353 pages of documents produced by the state. The lawsuit related to the bridge failure is scheduled to go to trial at the end of 2027.

At the 2024 hearing, Alviti assured lawmakers that all information would be shared with the public once the audit was completed. However, the audit’s draft was submitted just two months later, in early April, but the McKee administration decided to withhold it from public view. The governor claimed his hands were tied due to legal advice from lawyers involved in the lawsuit against the bridge contractors.

The audit highlighted issues with both contractors and state officials, suggesting that the latter should have been aware of the developing problems. This contradicts the narrative pushed by the McKee administration, which has not held anyone accountable for the crisis. Legislative leaders have stated they will consult with the Attorney General’s office before the next hearing to ensure the discussion does not interfere with the ongoing lawsuit.

In addition to calls for greater transparency, residents are also demanding a safe and functional Washington Bridge. The westbound bridge has been closed since December 2023, with its replacement expected to open in late 2028 at a cost of $571 million, including emergency expenses.

The audit has sparked a political firestorm, with several figures questioning the administration’s actions. Shekarchi and Neronha, both Democrats, are considering challenging McKee in the Democratic primary. McKee faces competition from former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, who has called for oversight hearings and criticized the governor for withholding the report.

Foulkes has also demanded the firing of Alviti, arguing that the public deserves honesty and transparency. McKee’s campaign spokesperson responded by pointing to an ongoing federal lawsuit involving Foulkes and CVS Health. The spokesperson suggested that Foulkes should focus on the safety of Rhode Islanders rather than political attacks.

A recent poll shows Foulkes leading McKee by double digits in a head-to-head matchup among likely Democratic primary voters, with many undecided. While no Republican has announced a run for governor, Rhode Island GOP chairman Joe Powers has accused the administration of a “cover-up,” calling the situation negligence and a betrayal of public trust.

Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for accountability and trust. She pointed out that the crisis has caused significant economic losses and raised serious concerns about leadership and responsibility.

As the political landscape continues to shift, the Washington Bridge scandal remains a focal point for public scrutiny and calls for reform. The upcoming oversight hearing will be crucial in determining how the state addresses the issues and ensures transparency moving forward.