We have an update on the ongoing dispute between Penndot and one of the state’s largest construction contractors whose based in Centre County.
Despite a State Supreme Court ruling just a few months ago the dispute is still alive in court.
Its been almost three years, April of 2021, when then Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced criminal charges filed against Glenn O Hawbaker Inc. The Centre County based contractors was charged in a wage theft case.
The company pleaded no contest to four charges and paid more than $20 million dollars in restitution.
Penndot then sought to disqualify Hawbaker as a pre-approved bidder on state funded road construction projects for up to three years.
Hawbaker filed a legal challenge in Commonwealth Court and the court ruled in favor of the company.
Penndot appealed to the State Supreme Court which last November overturned the lower court decision, ruling in favor of Penndot.
But the court noted Hawbaker still has some possible legal issues to argue and thats where the case currently stands still in court that was confirmed when we asked Penndot about whether any administrative action is underway
against Hawbaker in terms of a suspension, and their Press Secretary tells us the issue is back in Commonwealth Court.
Hawbaker in the meantime is still allowed to bid on Penndot contracts.
