Transportation Support

David J. Sasso
Administrator
401-222-6003, ext. 4630

Audits and Final Review

401-222-2297

The primary function of Audits and Final review is to examine contract costs submitted by various entities, such as utility companies, engineering consultants, and municipalities. A computerized audit inventory tracking system is now used to facilitate tracking, scheduling, and evaluation of audit projects.

• Final Review
  401-222-6590
  
  This office is responsible for the finalization of project record keeping. The unit also finalizes federal-aid projects, supervises the new combined road plan and is responsible for maintaining archives.

Real Estate

Acting Adminstrator for Real Estate
401-222-2411 4630

The objective of Real Estate Section is:

To acquire the necessary real estate in a timely manner consistent with the needs of the Department’s overall program,
To manage the Section’s right-of-way in a professional and cost effective manner,
To dispose of excess right-of-way in order to offset overall costs of the program,
To monitor outdoor advertising on State and Federal Aid Highways for compliance with State and Federal Laws,
To lease/license/permit State-owned property for telecommunication purposes (i.e., fiber optics and cellular towers) thereby generating revenue for future highway purposes,
To provide “asset protection” for all Department owned structures.

Real Estate is a multi-faceted section. The Acquisition Unit is responsible for the acquisition of land and easements required for the construction and reconstruction of the State Highway System in accordance with the Federal Highway Administration Guidelines and the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island. Its responsibilities include:

• Real Estate Appraisal
• Review Appraisal
• Property Negotiations
• Relocation Assistance

Additionally, the Office has significant input into the review and comment process of highway location studies, draft of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), development of preliminary right of way costs and relocation estimates, contracting for title examinations, and, when necessary, handling the functional replacement of a “special use facility” located within the right of way.

Also a part of the Real Estate Section is the Property Management Unit. It is responsible for the orderly management and disposal of acquired structures and/or land. Responsibilities include:

• Conveying (excess parcels);
• Leasing/licensing (use of air space)
• Grant of easements
• Telecommunication issues (fiber optic/towers)
• Outdoor advertising control (billboards, etc.)
• Management and oversight of all RIDOTowned/controlled facilities
  

Fleet Operations

401-222-4201

The Fleet Operations Unit’s primary function is to maintain and enhance the quality of the Department’s communications systems and fleet of vehicles, and to keep it in good, safe operating condition. The unit’s objective is to:

• Continually monitor and review vehicle maintenance costs and records for improved vehicle history and analysis
• Oversee and enforce maintenance on all vehicles every 2500 miles or three months, whichever comes first
• Perform annual vehicle inspection
• Improve efficiency in servicing of vehicles and communications equipment
• Achieve efficient utilization of entire fleet
  

Health & Safety Program

401 222-6557

In accordance with Rhode Island General Law 28-20-10, the Occupational Safety & Health and Work Zone Safety Section administers the Department’s comprehensive occupational safety and health program. This program ensures Departmental compliance with all applicable occupational safety and health laws which are promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC) as well as the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT).