Head of Big Dig gets hefty pension

Published: April 6, 2008 at 1:57 AM

BOSTON, April 6 (UPI) -- The man who headed Boston's Big Dig will receive a hefty pension under a Massachusetts law meant to protect state employees from political firings.

Michael Lewis, 46, stands to get more than $70,000 a year for the rest of his life, the Boston Globe reports. He also has a new job as transportation secretary in Rhode Island with a $130,000 paycheck.

The Big Dig, which substituted a tunnel under downtown Boston for an elevated highway that long divided the city, was one of the most ambitious municipal construction projects ever. The project was plagued by cost overruns, delays and a scandal when falling concrete killed a woman.

Lewis refused to talk to the Globe except to say that he left the project as a retiree. But the newspaper said the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority actually fired him last year.

The law denies enhanced pensions if evidence of collusion to increase benefits comes to light.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
Fed: Banks have raised needed capital (26 min)
Elson to be replaced at Western Kentucky (32 min)
Prostate biopsy not always necessary
UPI NewsTrack Health and Science News
Crude oil prices rise Monday
UPI NewsTrack Business
Corn crop progress close to average
fark
The federal government is willing to pay up to $66,542 plus living benefits if you don't mind mushing...
"The bullet zipped over fields and pasture from the south as Long's car traveled west from her aunt's...
Sometimes there are signs that you've chosen the wrong profession. Bus driver, on his first day...
Strollers recalled due to C) amputation
Tips on how to raise a vegetarian child so that he grows up to be healthy, happy and insufferably...
Fark / Mentally Incontinent joint book signing, Thursday Nov. 12 at the Borders Books Stonestown...