RIDOT seeking bidders to inventory, inspect state drainage system components

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Transportation plans to conduct an inventory and assessment of the state’s drainage system components, including manholes and catch basins, to comply with state and federal regulations and prioritize projects for maintenance and repair.
The department announced Thursday it is seeking qualified bidders to conduct the inventory and inspections. The assessment is being conducted as part of a new state law that will eliminate outdated cesspools, and strengthen wetlands protection.
The state is responsible for 25,000 stormwater catch basins, 2,000 outfalls and 100 related systems, including retention ponds, according to the DOT. This will be the first assessment of its kind, the department said, in a press release. The department plans to create a new drainage crew within its Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division, which will focus exclusively on maintaining drains.
“Rhode Island is blessed with abundant natural resources including Narragansett Bay and hundreds of lakes, ponds and rivers,” said DOT Director Peter Alviti Jr., in the release. “It is imperative that we protect these fragile resources.”

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