HARRISBURG– The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)issued a statement highlighting an important Pennsylvania State Supreme Court decision issued:
“PennDOT is pleased that the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court has affirmed PennDOT’s authority to pursue suspension and debarment proceedings against Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. as a state contractor on PennDOT construction contracts. This decision reaffirms the Commonwealth’s authority to carry out legal proceedings needed to hold companies accountable if they commit theft and don’t follow the rules designed to protect workers’ wages and benefits.
PennDOT initiated administrative proceedings in 2021 to determine if Glenn O. Hawbaker should remain pre-qualified to bid on PennDOT contracts after then-Attorney General Josh Shapiro filed criminal charges alleging the theft of $20 million from Glenn O. Hawbaker’s employees. Although Glenn O. Hawbaker pleaded no lo contendre to those charges, it had taken steps to stop PennDOT’s administrative proceedings. With the Supreme Court’s decision, PennDOT can now do what it sought to do in 2021 and begin the process to determine whether Glenn O. Hawbaker should continue to be a pre-qualified vendor.
PennDOT’s partnership with the construction industry is critical to delivering a better, safer transportation system and we must continue ensuring that all contractors follow the same rules. This is a good day for Pennsylvania and continues this Administration’s track record of championing workers’ rights and opportunities, while ensuring a level playing field in procurement.”
