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07-13-2006

Page history last edited by PBworks 17 years, 6 months ago

July 13, 2006

ROMNEY FILES BILL TO REASSURE PUBLIC ON TUNNEL SAFETY

Takes inspection oversight away from Turnpike Authority

 

Governor Mitt Romney today announced he is filing legislation to give the Executive Branch the authority to oversee the inspection of the failed ceiling system in the I-90 Connector tunnel and for making the final determination for re-opening the closed tunnel to traffic.

 

The legislation also directs the Executive Branch to carry out a complete “stem to stern” safety audit of the entire Central Artery/Tunnel project, and seeks an appropriation for that purpose of up to $20 million. In order to carry out a thorough inspection, the legislation also grants the Executive Branch full and complete access to all Turnpike records and documents.

 

The bill contains an emergency preamble so that it will take effect immediately upon passage.

 

Romney said he was taking this action because of the public’s loss of confidence in the management of the Turnpike Authority, and he stressed the importance of getting oversight of tunnel safety that is independent of the Turnpike Authority.

 

“Basically, it comes down to an issue of public confidence. The current leadership of the Turnpike Authority has lost all credibility with the public. Until we can bring in new leadership, I’m asking the Legislature to act on an emergency basis to transfer to the state the authority for overseeing the inspections now underway, and for making the final call on the safety of the tunnel system,” said Romney.

 

Romney also announced that one of the nation's top law firms, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, has agreed to assist on a pro bono basis in presenting the facts that serve as the basis for the Governor’s decision to remove Matt Amorello as chairman and chief executive officer of the Turnpike.

 

A hearing on that matter will be scheduled in the near future.

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