Companies receiving stimulus money failed to report violations

The New England Center for Investigative Journalism found that 13 of the 21 companies awarded federal stimulus contracts from the Massachusetts Transportation Highway Division failed to disclose serious pollution or workplace safety penalties leveled against them, as is required by law. Together, these companies have received $54 million dollars of federal money. As a result of the investigation, the Massachusetts Highway Division is now demanding written explanations from at least seven of the 21 companies awarded contracts through Sept. 30.

The New England Center for Investigative Reporting at Boston University is a reporting collaborative that includes the Boston Globe, WBUR-FM, New England Cable News, New England Ethnic News, The Warren Group and The Lawrence Eagle Tribune.