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Dana Alexander Nolfe, Chief
401-222-1362
Public Affairs’ primary responsibility is to effectively keep the public informed about the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.
As the Department’s spokesperson, the Communications Office responds accurately and rapidly to requests for information from the general public, legislature and the media, as well as generating a constant information flow via the media. The Office issued 106 press releases in 2004.
The Office coordinates special events that often include the Governor and the Congressional Delegation, prepares speeches, and handles the Department’s general and legislative correspondence.
This section designs and manages the Department’s Web site at www.dot.ri.gov, offering easy connections to traffic-related construction updates, links to local public transportation services, descriptions of current and future construction projects, the Department’s organization, news, and weather updates, as well as information on statewide programs and special events. Through the web site, visitors can also access live highway video images.
The Office also produces Interchange, a quarterly newsletter that highlights Department news and events and the accomplishments of its employees. The Department’s Annual Report is also published by this office.
Bernard Frezza, Jr.
401-222-2481, ext. 4004
The Legislative Liaison works with members of Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation, General Office holders, members of the General Assembly and City and Town Mayors, Administrators, Council members, School Committees, Fire and Police Chiefs to address their DOT requests, including field visits and meeting with constituents to address issues. The Liaison also works in conjunction with any and all departments within DOT to solve these problems. The Liaison attends every Legislative Session to lobby the Rhode Island General Assembly to promote/object to legislation on behalf of the Department of Transportation, testifies at Legislative Committee Hearings, and works to educate/promote/object to any Federal legislation or program which would affect the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.
Represents DOT at work sessions with national transportation organizations, including the Coalition of Northeast Governors, Transportation Policy Committee(CONEG), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO), and the Standing Committee on Rail Transportation (SCORT). Also represent the Director of Transportation as his designee to the State Traffic Commission, Chairman of the Vehicle Value Commission, the East Providence Waterfront Special Development District Commission, and the Special House Commission to Study the Transportation of Liquefied Natural Gas.
Customer Service
401-222-2450
The Customer Service Office acts as a liaison for the Department of Transportation on both internal and external issues. The office assists in coordinating informational meetings on design, construction, and maintenance issues with city and town officials and council members, with senators and representatives through legislative affairs, and with local business organizations, community advocacy groups, and the general public.
The office publishes public notices, project mailings and updates. In addition, the office works with police departments, fire departments, residents, motorists, businesses, chambers of commerce and other associations, to lessen construction inconveniences and economic impacts. City and town officials as well as key individuals are updated as to a project's progress during construction through informational meetings, mailings, and web postings on both the city or town’s site and DOT’s web site.
Richard G. Fondi
401-222-6510, ext. 4637
The Inspector General's Office reviews change orders and expenditures in the Department's Construction program. The office also assesses accountability, spot checks construction operations for compliance with plans and specifications, and evaluates educational and training services.
Lisa Martinelli , Esq.
401-222-6510
The legal services provided by the Executive Counsel encompass issues relating to the Department and/or its staff.
Staff counsel is responsible for handling all aspects of litigation with respect to condemnation and land acquisition matters, demands under the Public Works Arbitration Act, collections, bankruptcy and miscellaneous cases; and serves as in-house counsel working in conjunction with the Department of Attorney General in reference to tort litigation. It drafts all Departmental legislation, and coordinates the tracking of other legislative actions that may have an impact on the Department. The Office of Legal Counsel is responsible for drafting Departmental regulations and procedures, and works with the numerous Departmental Divisions in developing and negotiating contracts and agreements, especially with respect to real estate and environmental issues.
In addition, the Office coordinates the release of information under the Public Access to Records Act and is responsible for responding to subpoenas. All labor grievances, arbitrations and litigation are handled by the legal staff, including participation in statewide negotiations of collective bargaining agreements.
Paul E. Pysz
Administrator
401-222-2572
The Office of Human Resources has overall responsibility for administering a comprehensive human resource management program.
The Office’s responsibilities are as follows:
The Office seeks to provide and support a quality internal work place environment for all employees.
Staff development needs are continuously assessed in order to maximize the utilization of available federal highway training funds, with a special emphasis being placed on professional enrichment, and workplace safety needs.
Thomas Lewandowski
401-222-6935
RIDOT's Management and Information Systems staff was consolidated into the Department of Administration's Division of Information Technology in 2004 in an effort to better manage the state's information technology resources. The staff assigned to RIDOT headed by the Administrator, is responsible for oversight, coordination and development of all IT staff and resources. The DoIT staff assigned to RIDOT assist the department in meeting its goals effectively and efficiently by providing leadership in the application of information technology; and delivering secure, innovative, and reliable technology solutions in the most responsive and effective manner.
RIDOT's Director serves as a member of the following boards and commissions:
RI Turnpike & Bridge Authority (RIGL-24-12-2)
RI Public Transit Authority (RIGL 39-18-2)
State Traffic Commission (RIGL 31-13-1)
I-195 Redevelopment Board (RIGL 37-22-5)
Growth Planning Council (Executive Order 00-2)