Global Partners Sues Massachusetts DOT Over Denied Expansion Bid

Global Partners LP is suing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for failing to provide documentation from the process that awarded Applegreen approval to rebuild and operate 18 Massachusetts travel plazas. Global Partners alleges that MassDOT violated the Massachusetts Public Records Law and is seeking a court order to release all responsive public records and prevent further concealment. The lawsuit comes after Global Partners filed an ethics complaint and requested an investigation into MassDOT's process.

Global Partners LP has filed a lawsuit against the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in Suffolk Superior Court, alleging that MassDOT violated the Massachusetts Public Records Law by failing to timely provide key documents related to the award of a 35-year service plaza lease to Applegreen [1]. The lawsuit comes after Global Partners submitted multiple formal records requests since June, but MassDOT has only partially complied, withholding crucial communications, evaluations, and internal records [2].

Global Partners, a leading independent liquid energy supplier and retail operator, has expressed concern over the process that led to Applegreen's approval. The company claims that MassDOT's conduct threatens the integrity of the entire procurement process and is seeking a court order to release all responsive public records and prevent further concealment [2]. The lawsuit also seeks injunctive relief to halt MassDOT's rush towards signing the 35-year agreement with Applegreen by early November.

The controversy began in mid-June when MassDOT accepted Applegreen's 35-year, $750 million proposal for the travel plazas. Less than a week later, Global Partners expressed frustration at the decision, noting that its own pitch was more cost-effective and logical [1]. In late July, Global Partners called for an investigation into Scott Bosworth, the state official who helped oversee Applegreen's proposal to MassDOT, citing concerns over his past involvement with Applegreen and potential conflicts of interest [1].

Global Partners alleges that MassDOT has failed to produce documents relating to Bosworth's and Applegreen's past communications, conflicts of interest, and communication within MassDOT regarding the revenue aspects of the proposal. The company has submitted four formal records requests since June, but MassDOT has only provided some documentation, withholding others such as internal deliberations and conflict disclosures [1].

MassDOT has acknowledged some document production but only after pressure from third parties, including media outlets. Other key materials, including internal deliberations and conflict disclosures, remain entirely unproduced or unjustifiably withheld [2]. The lawsuit seeks a court order compelling MassDOT to immediately release all responsive public records and prevent further concealment.

This legal action follows a growing chorus of scrutiny surrounding the Applegreen deal, including a pending ethics complaint against Bosworth, legislative concerns, and public rallies. Lawmakers and community leaders are calling for oversight hearings and an independent investigation into the award process [2].

Global Partners LP is a Fortune 500 company and industry-leading integrated owner, supplier, and operator of liquid energy terminals, fueling locations, and guest-focused retail experiences. The company operates or maintains dedicated storage at 54 liquid energy terminals, with connectivity to strategic rail, pipeline, and marine assets, spanning from Maine to Florida and into the U.S. Gulf States [2].

References:
[1] https://www.cstoredive.com/news/global-partners-suing-massdot/757357/
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/global-partners-lp-files-action-to-force-massdot-to-comply-with-public-records-law-amid-1-5-billi-ce7c5ed3d98df025