CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Commission voted Wednesday to join the state Division of Highways and several municipalities who have filed separate lawsuits against West Virginia Paving Company alleging a plan to drive up paving prices.
The commission spent approximately $1 million on paving jobs during the time in question, Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper said.
“It just appears to us that there’s something seriously wrong with the way this was handled and that’s why we have an obligation to protect the taxpayers,” Carper said.
The other lawsuits, filed last week, allege the companies formed a de facto monopoly by gaining control of 15 asphalt plants that at one time competed against each other.
“If it turns out that it appeared to be competitive bid and was not competitive, that needs to be dealt with,” Carper said.
West Virginia Paving and its parent company deny the allegations and have said they will fight the lawsuits.
The municipalities that have filed legal action include Charleston, Parkersburg, Beckley and Bluefield.