Newsmakers 2/24: Mike Lewis, Dan Egan

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - This week on the first half of Newsmakers: director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Michael Lewis. Calling it his number one concern right now, Director Lewis talks about the importance to replace the Providence Viaduct bridge – the stretch of I-95 that cuts through the heart of Providence. While he stresses the structure is still safe, it has worn out its welcome and, with a $150 million price tag for a replacement, will be a looming issue in the coming years.

Then, the voice of the nonprofits with Daniel Egan, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Rhode Island. Egan gives an update on talks with Brown University over paying more to the city of Providence. He also fields questions about whether the city’s hospitals – which currently don’t pay into the Providence budget – should chip in.