Local company protests MassDOT's award of highway plazas contract to foreign firm
- MassDOT awarded a 35-year contract to Applegreen for 18 highway service plazas, leading to significant renovations.
- Global Partners is contesting the decision, arguing they submitted a stronger bid and calling for transparency.
- The situation highlights a conflict between local and foreign companies in public service contracts, with ongoing appeals in progress.
In Massachusetts, tensions have escalated regarding the awarding of a contract for 18 highway service plazas. In a decision made last month, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) granted a 35-year contract to Applegreen, an Irish-based company that plans extensive renovations on the state's highway rest stops. Applegreen's proposal included plans to rebuild nine rest areas and significantly upgrade the remaining nine. The decision was nearly unanimous among MassDOT board members, with only one member abstaining, prompting local fuel supplier Global Partners to contest the award. Global Partners, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, expressed disappointment in losing the bid, emphasizing their local roots and previous commitments. Eric Slifka, CEO of Global Partners, voiced concerns about the selection process, suggesting his company's bid offered a greater rent commitment than Applegreen's. Slifka characterized the decision as an injustice, particularly for taxpayers in Massachusetts, and appealed to state lawmakers and the attorney general to review MassDOT's choice. In defense of their decision, MassDOT referred to Applegreen's bid being $125 million higher than Global Partners' proposal, which they argue reflected Applegreen's overall readiness and capabilities in operating travel plazas. Applegreen CEO Bob Etchingham defended the company's qualifications, noting their experience with 113 travel plazas in the northeastern United States. Etchingham expressed confidence in their plan, which he believes will significantly enhance customer experience at these service areas by 2028. The renovations include various design themes tailored to the locations of the rest stops. Plans for improvements point to better amenities, including modern bathrooms, additional parking, and areas for children to play. Despite claims of transparency from MassDOT, Slifka remains firm in his belief that more information needs to be shared with the public regarding the selection process for this crucial contract. As the contract date of January 1 approaches, tensions surrounding the decision to grant control of these key public amenities to a foreign firm continue to rise in Massachusetts.