Bill > S2124

This bill mandates that the Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA) commission an independent efficiency and performance audit of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT), with the audit to be completed and delivered by January 1, 2027. The audit will be conducted by an entity with expertise in transportation systems, infrastructure finance, and public-sector performance benchmarking, and will examine various aspects of the DOT's operations, including project delivery efficiency, asset management, workforce and organizational structure, maintenance efficiency, financial management, and governance. A key component of the audit will be benchmarking the DOT's performance against that of five to ten "peer states" – states with similar geography, climate, system size, and procurement frameworks – using specific cost and performance metrics. The audit will also evaluate procurement and contracting practices, workforce capacity and outsourcing strategies, and maintenance and operations efficiency. The final report will be submitted to the governor and legislative leaders, and made publicly available on the DOA's website, with the DOT required to fully cooperate and provide necessary access to records and personnel. This act will take effect upon its passage.

Housing and Urban Affairs

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