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 and participates actively in board discussions. “I respectfully request your approval of my reappointment to the Narragansett Bay Commission, Board of Commissioners,” Almonte said.

Vin Mezalela, who identified himself as chair of the commission, described the CSO tunnel as the largest infrastructure project in state history with “approximate value of over $2,000,000,000 in improvements,” saying the work has produced “enormous improvements in water quality throughout the Upper Bay.” Mezalela said the tunnel project is being done in three phases, is on schedule and on budget, and that the tunnel portion was expected to be completed in the 2026–2027 timeframe.

Other nominees gave brief remarks about the commission’s performance. Lisa Andocia told the committee the bay is “cleaner than it has been in a hundred and 50 years” and said the commission “creates 70% of its own energy from renewable sources.” Michelle Desroche and other commissioners listed national awards, community projects (including Green Stormwater Infrastructure in Central Falls) and education programs that bring students to NBC facilities.

Several senators asked questions or offered remarks. Senator Rogers recalled childhood experiences with bay closures and said the infrastructure work has directly reduced closures that affected shellfishermen. A committee member asked whether the tunnel primarily collects stormwater; Mezalela replied the tunnels capture excess combined sewer flows during storms for later treatment, which reduces direct discharges to the bay.

Votes at a glance - Ernie (Ernest) Almonte — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2028. Motion to recommend advice and consent carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - Lisa Andocia — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2026. Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - James S. Bennett — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2028. Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - Michelle Brays — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2027. Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - Mario Colino — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2026. Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - Christine Debias — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2026. Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - Michelle Desroche — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2027. Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - Leonard Lopes — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission (term not specified on the record). Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded. - Gina Petracca, Esq. — Reappointment to Narragansett Bay Commission, term expiring 04/01/2026. Motion carried by voice vote; no opposition recorded.

Committee procedure and next steps The committee used voice votes and recommended that the full Senate grant advice and consent for the nominees listed above. Several nominees who could not attend in person were included by motion and approved in their absence. The committee and NBC staff agreed to discuss a facility tour for committee members in the off season.

The committee adjourned after the final motion. The nominations will proceed to the full Senate for consideration of advice and consent.