Excerpts from Amorello's press conference

Following are excerpts of Turnpike Authority chairman Matthew J. Amorello's press news conference yesterday.

AMORELLO: It's been 2 1/2 weeks since the death of Milena Del Valle, and as challenging as this time may have been for all of us who are working to make sure it doesn't happen again, I have never wanted the loss of her life to be overshadowed by some of the events and statements that have been made since July 10.

I've stated to all of you that I would not resign because I didn't think it would fix anything or magically make all the issues associated with the Big Dig go away. I still don't believe it will. But to go into a hearing with a foregone conclusion makes no sense for me, my family, any of those who would [have] had to have taken part in this process, or the public. I said I wanted to stay and see things through, to do what was necessary to make sure that this type of horrible event doesn't happen again, and that process is well underway.

After Milena's death, I asked tunnel inspectors we contract with from HNTB in Lichtenstein to begin our triannual inspection of all the tunnels in the metropolitan highway system. . . .

I've also been working closely with our bond holders and credit rating agencies to keep them up to date on what is happening, to ensure the fiscal stability of the Authority. . . .

I knew when I took this job that the public's confidence was certainly shaken, if not completely gone. The public had been lied to in the past about the cost, and contractors have been driven to opening dates of parts of the Big Dig by those at the helm, who publicly repeated the mantra "on time and on budget," while neither was true. I knew I would have to try to overcome that image. I've tried to be transparent, despite statements to the contrary. . . .

I will oversee completing the objectives I have set out above . . . and to help with a smooth transition. But I will be resigning my position as chairman of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority as of Aug. 15.

This has been a challenging job, but one that is very much worth doing and I will remain proud to have been selected and sure that I have always done my best. I am sure there are things I could have done better, but I've made every decision in my time here, and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. because I truly believe it is the right thing to do. ...

The answers to what happened on July 10 will come out, and we'll work to resolve that, and to ensure that it never, ever happens again. And as we go forward from this day, we'll continue to ensure that our roadways and highways, bridges, and tunnels are as safe as the public should expect them to be. I made that pledge when I came in; I'll make that pledge when I leave.

QUESTION: Do you have any intention of reimbursing the taxpayers for the tens of thousands of dollars in legal expenses?

AMORELLO:. . .. The steps I took were in line with those steps that were taken several years ago in regards to the removal action of two board members back in 2002. . .< .

QUESTION: Did the governor force you out?

AMORELLO: I think the fact that we were having a hearing today, and I think the governor made reference to it yesterday, as to, it's a rather unusual circumstance to have the judge, the prosecutor, the jury, all in the hands of one individual, to set up rather an unusual circumstance. And the purpose of my going to the SJC yesterday and seeking a stay on that matter, to gain some time, it hasn't - to speak on a personal note, what happened on July 10 was horrible. And I say that for all the men that are in these hard hats, who worked on this project. It's unfortunate that it happened, and we're going to do everything to make sure it doesn't happen again.

On Monday of - a week ago, I received notice of a bill of particulars with the charges. My general counsel, Mike Powers, many of you may know Mike, took Tuesday off to stay at home and have some quiet time, and while he was at home, he had a tragic accident where he lost half of his right hand. To couple that with going into a hearing in the stages that we're in, and the allegations made, was difficult at best. And I thought the request for a stay was appropriate. It was not granted. But I'm not going to pursue it any further. I think the right step is the one I'm taking, to ensure everybody that the steps I've taken since the accident on July 10 were the right steps to ensure that we're getting to the bottom of what happened, to assist the state now in its investigations, as well as the U.S. Attorney's office, as well as the Attorney General's office, and we'll continue with that. And the men and women behind me are working on the project, working from the Turnpike Authority, but will continue to do their jobs to ensure that we get to the bottom of what happened, that the responsible parties are held accountable, and that we in the Turnpike Authority, and my successor, will ensure that it never happens again through the right inspection protocols necessary to ensure that there is never a threat as (inaudible).

QUESTION: Do you feel, throughout all of this, you've been painted as the fall guy, after July 10?

AMORELLO: You know, July 10 was an awful event. It was awful. Our hearts go out to the Del Valle family, an angel. The situation was unfathomable to happen. I sit in the seat of the chairman. I take responsibility. My responsibility at the time of the accident was to make sure that we took every step necessary to ensure that there was no traffic in those roadways, close down the road system, remove the damaged - the questionable ceiling panels, progress with investigations. I recognize - that was my job in those days shortly after the event, and now to work to ensure that we're doing the right inspections on these hanger systems and our entire tunnel system, make sure it doesn't happen again.