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Attorney General Neronha Supports Mission of Hearing
STATE HOUSE – Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie J. Lawson 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.
In a letter received 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 Speaker Shekarchi and President 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.”
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2466
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