Audit says Shaw Group overbilled state for sand berms

The Louisiana Legislative Auditor says The Shaw Group billed the state $495,000 too much for work it did following the April 2010 oil spill, according to a report released today. Shaw was hired by Gov. Bobby Jindal to build 36 miles of manmade sand berms along the Gulf of Mexico to stop BP oil from hitting the Louisiana coast, and was paid about $250 million for the work. Shaw spokesperson Gentry Brann says the company has been working to resolve the issue with the state. “This report addresses exceptions previously raised and addressed between Shaw and the state. Shaw has worked closely with [the Louisiana Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration] management since the audit and has provided additional support for charges questioned. Shaw believes all issues have been resolved in support of contract close-out in compliance with program requirements,” Brann says. “Shaw has extensive experience working on large programs of this nature. This is a typical process where we work very closely with our clients to resolve any outstanding issues in support of project close-out.” —Steve Sanoski