Minority Caucus Calls for Accountability Following Washington Bridge Forensic Audit Leak
The Senate Minority Caucus called for accountability from the Governor’s Office and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) after a forensic audit report was leaked to the press on Friday, September 26, 2025.
The audit concluded that RI officials failed to address many maintenance recommendations that were repeated over multiple inspection cycles.
“The auditors recommended RIDOT review its processes for prioritizing and following up on work recommendations provided in inspection reports,” stated Senate Minority Whip Gordon E. Rogers (R-Dist. 21, Foster, Coventry, Scituate, West Greenwich). “Since the Governor has known about this recommendation since April of 2024, with zero disclosure to the General Assembly despite oversight hearings, I call on the Governor to immediately disclose what corrective actions, if any, have been implemented at RIDOT.”
“Beyond the millions in lost revenue to small businesses, this crisis is about trust and accountability,” said Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R-Dist. 23, North Smithfield, Burrillville, Glocester). “The Governor vowed to hold those responsible accountable, but instead of keeping that promise, he concealed the findings of this audit from both the legislature and the public. The cover-up is as bad as the crime.”
“RIDOT must provide a detailed accounting of all funding allocated to bridge maintenance,” de la Cruz De la Cruz continued. “The Senate oversight committee can compel testimony under oath, and I am convinced that is the only way to get the truth from the Governor and RIDOT officials. If the executive branch is not held accountable, Rhode Island will remain at the bottom of every infrastructure ranking, and the Governor’s promised “day of reckoning” will be a pledge as empty as taxpayers’ wallets.”