RIDOT Director Peter Alviti PHOTO: RIDOT
Embattled Rhode Island Director of Transportation Peter Alviti is out.
Alviti was first appointed to head RIDOT in 2015 by then-Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo. He has been retained repeatedly by fellow Democrat, Governor Dan McKee.
The reason for Alviti's longevity has been his close ties to the Laborers’ International Union. READ MORE
Alviti has left a legacy of distrust and cronyism that dates back to far before the failure of the Washington Bridge in December of 2023, but stretches back years earlier.
Alviti and then-Governor Gina Raimondo in 2015. PHOTO: RIDOT
Berating the public at public meetings (see video above) to covering up contamination in the Olneyville neighborhood in Providence as part of the 6/10 project, Alivit's tenure has been marred by significant missteps.
Alviti repeatedly defended the 6/10 contractor, Barletta Heavy Machine, who, after a four-year GoLocal investigation, ultimately paid $12.5 million in settlement payments with federal and state prosecutors.
One top manager for the company pleaded guilty to federal and state charges.
Radio talk show host Gene Valicenti provided Alviti a platform for false statements. PHOTO: RIDOT
Bridge Failure, Alviti Lies
After the failure of the Washington Bridge, Alviti was caught in a series of lies about the cause of the bridge’s failure, the time to repair it, the cost of the repair, the need to replace it, and the cost of the replacement.
But all along the way, McKee blasted and slammed reporters who raised questions about Alviti.
The day after the bridge was shut down, WJAR’s Brian Crandall asked McKee about Alviti’s leadership. Crandall was bullied by the Governor, who refused to answer a question that thousands of Rhode Islanders have asked on social media and hundreds of McKee’s own social media pages.
Many McKee voters have called for Alviti to be fired.
McKee blustered, “The people I talk to are very pleased with what is going on.”
At a press conference on March 15, 2024, McKee promised that a “day of accountability” is coming for those responsible for the debacle that has negatively impacted the lives and economic livelihoods of Rhode Islanders.
McKee continued to defend Alviti's tenure.
Alviti and Governor Dan McKee. PHOTO: GoLocal
Alviti lied when he said contamination was not present at the 6/10 construction site, and contractor Barletta Heavy Engineering — who presently has a contract with the DOT for work on the Washington Bridge — paid a $1.5M penalty and signed a federal non-prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice; the Massachusetts-based firm is currently under indictment in Rhode Island
“Is this the standard you hold your administration to?” asked GoLocal News Editor Kate Nagle.
“I’m not going to talk to the legal issues outside of what we’re here to [discuss] today and let those unfold,” said McKee, who then tried to move on from the question.
When Nagle then asked if he tolerated lying by members of his administration, McKee said he does not.
“No,” said McKee.
The lies by Alviti have continued, and the defense of his behavior continued until McKee simply could not take it anymore.
Meanwhile, McKee's poll numbers have plummeted to record lows.
