Senator Zurier Drops the Bomb! Undisclosed Campaign Contributions by Washington Bridge Vendors?

 

Rhode Island State Senator Sam Zurier (Providence) dropped a bomb in yesterday’s Bridge Oversight Hearing.

Contractors to the Department of Transporation are required, by law, to disclose campaign contributions, in a vendor affidavit, as part of their bid submission

Apparently, the Rhode Island Department of Administration, operating directly under the domain of Governor Dan McKee, failed to require the disclosure, as required under Rhode Island Law. Tens of thousands of campaign contributions made by Rhode Island Washington Bridge Vendors AECOM & Aetna Bridge managed to escape this disclosure.

In an even more damning disclosure? Governor McKee, while serving in office, was the recipient of thousands of dollars of donations from Officers of Aetna Bridge, the company responsible for the demolition of the Washington Bridge. (See Below) AECOM also donated to McKee campaign efforts.

 

RIGL 27-27-1 -- 3 Affadavits Law

 

Bristling under a court room style line of questioning, Director Peter Alviti was quick to distinguish between the RIDOT portion of the bid process, and the disclosures that fall under the responsibility of the Department of Administration (DOA). That did not appease Senator Zurier, who pointed to Alviti’s opening statement, declaring his desire to renew faith in the troubled Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

We are reaching out for comment from all parties.  Story Developing …

 

Documentation

 

Aetna Bridge Contributions

 

AECom Contributions

 

Aetna Bridge Contract List

 

AECOM Contract List

 

 

2024 Aetna Bridge Contract

 

 

RIGL 27-27-1 -- 3 Affadavits Law

 

 

AECOM Contract List