Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC, operating as Northeast Paving, along with The Lane Construction Corporation and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., have collectively agreed to a $1.37 million settlement. This resolves allegations of submitting false claims related to the rehabilitation of Runway 2-20 at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Massachusetts.
The airport serves as the operational center for the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing, which includes the 131st Fighter Squadron. The runway rehabilitation project began in 2012 using federal, state, and local funds. In 2013, Stantec was contracted for design services and project management while Lane Construction was selected to complete the rehabilitation. Northeast Paving later acquired some of Lane Construction’s assets.
Cracks appeared in 2019 at the interface between concrete and asphalt on the runway where a track should have been constructed according to project specifications. Despite certifications from Lane and Stantec that all requirements were met, this component was not built. Consequently, repairs were needed which forced the relocation of the 104th Fighter Wing.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley emphasized the importance of contractors fulfilling their obligations especially when military safety is involved: “Federal contractors must fulfill their obligations and perform the work they promise to provide.”
Brian C. Gallagher from the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General stated: “The defendants cut corners and misrepresented their work wasting taxpayer dollars.”
Christopher M. Silvestro from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service noted: “This settlement demonstrates our collaboration with the Department of Justice…to ensure DoD contractors adhere to contract requirements.”
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Foley along with DOT-OIG SAC Gallagher and DCIS Acting SAC Silvestro. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Morgan managed this case.
