WPRO News
Ocean State Job Lot is suspending construction of a new 500,000 square foot $50 million dollar warehouse expansion at its headquarters in North Kingstown.
Company officials tell WPRO’s Gene Valicenti that the move is directly related to objections over the planned RhodeWorks legislation that would toll large trucks in Rhode Island.
The move delays the hiring of over 100 people. Ocean State Job Lot president Marc Perlman is reportedly angry over the reception he has received from state law makers. He calls the truck tolls “unfair,” and says the tolls will cost the company a million dollars a year out of pocket.
In response to Job Lot’s statement Saturday, Governor Raimondo’s press secretary Marie Aberger said “Investing in our infrastructure will have a positive impact on our economy, and put people to work. In fact, RhodeWorks is expected to add over 6,000 jobs in Rhode Island. If we don’t take action, and let our bridges continue to crumble, no companies will want to be here or add jobs here. Our bridges are unfortunately at the point of disrepair where we have no other option but to make some tough choices and take action to fix them. We can’t pass the buck any longer. With the new RhodeWorks bill, the total maximum toll amount to cross the state is much less – and well below what trucks pay in many other states in the area. Having said that, we are listening, we take the concerns seriously, and we are continuing to work cooperatively with businesses and the General Assembly on addressing these issues.”
