Feb 7, 2009 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Contractor In Electrocution Probe Inks New Deal
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (CBS) ―
KBR Inc. -- a defense contractor under investigation in the electrocution deaths of at least two U.S. soldiers -- has been awarded a $35 million contract from the Army Corp of Engineers to build an electrical distribution center at Camp Adder in Southern Iraq, CBS station KDKA-TV reported.
"It's outrageous! It would be bad enough that they got a contract to do anything – to plant grass seed," said Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey. "Even that you'd question (it)."
Casey believes KBR should be punished for death of Ryan Maseth, a 24-year-old Green Beret, after he was electrocuted while taking a shower at his barracks in Baghdad in January of 2008. An army investigation calls Sergeant Maseth's death a "negligent homicide" caused by KBR and two of its supervisors.
"The Army Corp of Engineers has to explain to the American people why they awarded this contract," Casey said. "And the Pentagon has to get this investigation of KBR completed so we know what happened to these soldiers why it happened."
KBR issued this statement about the new contract:
"KBR remains committed to providing quality services to the U.S. Army and DOD for the successful completion of the Camp Adder convoy support center. KBR is proud of the work it performs and is honored to serve the troops. "
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