By Ted Nesi

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The R.I. Economic Development Corporation would be demoted and supplanted by a new secretary of commerce who reports directly to the governor if Rhode Island officials embrace the recommendations of an independent study ordered in the aftermath of the 38 Studios debacle.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Chafee thanked RIPEC for its “terrific, hard work” in putting together the study, which involved 75 interviews with more than 100 people. But the governor didn’t embrace its findings – and left the event without listening to the presentation by John Simmons, RIPEC’s executive director.

“I’m very impressed with what has happened in the last few months down at EDC,” Chafee said. The governor later added: “We’re moving forward. … I have full confidence in what is occurring at EDC right now.”

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• Related: Read the full RIPEC study on economic development (PDF)