Woonsocket Radio News Room

Rep. Bennett introduces bill to enforce corrosion prevention standards on state projects

STATE HOUSE — Rep. David A. Bennett has introduced legislation to ensure compliance with best-practice industry standards for corrosion prevention and mitigation work on all state-funded projects.

“In the Ocean State, corrosion prevention is essential to extend the life of every public project, which is why three years ago I sponsored legislation to ensure that corrosion mitigation and prevention work would be done at industry-leading standards on all public projects,” said Representative Bennett (D-Dist. 20, Warwick, Cranston). “Since then we’ve seen some disagreement about when these regulations apply and who enforces them, slowing their adoption. Frankly the law needs more teeth, which this bill ensures by giving the Department of Labor the power to investigate when the law is not being followed.”

In 2022 the General Assembly passed legislation (2022-H 6613A, 2022-S 2303A) sponsored by Representative Bennett and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence) that required all corrosion prevention and mitigation work on state-funded projects to comply with best-practice standards for that industry. In order to ensure compliance with this legislation, Representative Bennett’s bill (2025-H 5188) would give the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training the power to enforce compliance with those provisions by holding hearings, levying fines and revoking professional licenses, if necessary.

“These standards are sorely needed to protect our bridges and buildings and could have saved our state significant expense and disruption if we’d instituted them earlier,” said Representative Bennett. “This bill will make sure that Rhode Islanders are getting the highest quality, longest-lasting work for their money.”

Two NASA astronauts have safely arrived back on Earth after a nine-month stay on the International Space Station. Suni [[ Sunny ]] Williams and Butch Wilmore had to stay far longer than planned aboard the ISS after issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. They returned home in a SpaceX capsule Tuesday afternoon, splashing down off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee.        President Trump and Russian President Putin are agreeing to begin talks on a limited ceasefire with Ukraine. The two leaders had a lengthy phone call today to discuss an end to the war. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the call as "very good and productive."        The last of the classified JFK assassination files are being made public. The National Archives released several files Tuesday at the direction of President Trump, who said Americans have been asking for this for a long time. John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963.        Frontier Airlines is flying checked bags for no charge after Southwest announced the end of its more than 50-year-old free bag policy. Frontier announced the new promotion on select flights in an effort to bring in "rebound" customers moving away from Southwest. Passengers will need to book a nonstop flight from now through August 18th.        The Navajo Nation president says the federal government has assured him content about the Navajo Code Talkers will be restored to Army and Defense Department websites. At least ten articles about the elite group of Marines were recently removed under the Trump administration's campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren says he's seeking further clarity on the issue.        The first trailer for "Happy Gilmore 2" is out. The film sees Adam Sandler reprise his role as the legendary golfer while dealing with facing the younger stars on the PGA Tour. As he makes his return to the course, things take a wild a turn.       

Old News Archives