Senate panel recommends reappointments to Narragansett Bay Commission amid updates on $2 billion tunnel project

The Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee recommended advice and consent for a slate of reappointments to the Narragansett Bay Commission on Feb. 20, advancing nominations for commissioners whose terms range through 2026–2028.

Committee action came after brief testimony from nominees and a longer overview of the commission’s work by Narragansett Bay Commission Chairman Vin Mezalela and multiple commissioners, who highlighted a multi-phase deep-rock combined-sewer overflow (CSO) tunnel project they said has improved Upper Bay water quality and reduced bay closures.

The nominations matter because the commission oversees wastewater treatment and major infrastructure that affects shellfisheries, beaches and municipal ratepayers across the Providence-area service district. Testifying nominees emphasized the commission’s awards, workforce and public-education programs and asked the committee to recommend they continue to serve.

Ernie Almonte, introducing himself as a certified public accountant and certified government financial manager, asked the committee to approve his reappointment and said he reads materials closely…