As politicians in Washington, D.C., regularly compete for federal dollars to finance infrastructure projects in their states, demonstrating progress on active work strengthens their case for additional funding. This often leads to political involvement that can accelerate projects prematurely. But what happens when that meddling results in rushed decisions and costly lawsuits?
In early 2020, as the world entered a pandemic, projects across the country ground to a halt while state workers scrambled to adapt to remote operations. Supply lines dried up, and progress slowed everywhere, but when has that ever stopped a politician?
In a deposition to U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) agent Todd Collins, RIDOT Administrator Steve Devine expressed concerns about progress on a Pawtucket project stalled by COVID closures. Senator Jack Reed, who had secured the federal funding for the project, needed to show movement in order to request additional funds. Rushing that project ultimately created legal issues on other jobs and delays that saddled the state with unnecessary fees.
The attached documents are now at the center of a $3.8 million lawsuit the state is likely to lose. Despite conducting the interview, Collins chose to dismiss Devine’s statements at the time, only to later attempt to twist them against the contractor, a tactic that failed.
Meanwhile, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse remains heavily invested in green energy, while Senator Reed leans on infrastructure as a political pillar. Our state’s chronically over-budget agencies continue to mismanage federally backed projects, with their default response being to blame the contractors.
Back in 2015, newly elected Governor Gina Raimondo stepped in to address the dire state of RIDOT by reorganizing its leadership.
It may be time to do that again, and this time, perhaps appoint a director who isn’t so closely tied to the unions that help keep politicians in office.
ContributorAugust 29, 20251 Mins read1 
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