City receives December Debacle report

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A special commission studying the city's response to a snowstorm last year that snarled traffic and stranded more than 100 children on school buses for hours has concluded that no one was in charge during crucial moments of the emergency.

The commission, established by the Providence City Council in the wake of the Dec. 13 snowstorm, issued a 33-page report Tuesday .

Michael Van Leesten, chairman of the three-member independent commission, said many city officials failed to understand the urgency of the situation and no one took the helm to resolve the fisaco.

"At least, I did not get a sense for instance from members of the School Department, that there was a sense of urgency, of vigilance," he said.

The report also makes recommendations for preventing a similar catastrophe, including canceling school whenever at least four inches of snow is forecast and establishing places for bus drivers to bring children in case of emergency.

The directors of the city and state emergency management agencies lost their jobs after the storm. Then-Superintendent Donnie Evans also was roundly criticized, and he later decided not to return for another three-year term.

Karen Southern, a spokeswoman for Mayor David Cicilline, said he has directed his staff to study the recommendations.

"I can guarantee you, this will not collect dust," Council Majority Leader Terrence Hassett said.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)