The Connecticut Supreme Court recently issued an important decision confirming the rights of design professionals, construction managers, and contractors to assert claims under contracts with the state. The decision also reinforces the binding nature of arbitration awards concerning such claims.

The Supreme Court’s decision was issued in the case of DOT v. White Oak Corp., 319 Conn. 582 (2015). The decision arose from a long-running contract dispute between the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) and White Oak Corporation concerning bridge repair projects in New Haven and Bridgeport. Both projects were marred by conflict and significant delays, and in early 2000, the parties reached an agreement for completion contractors to finish the jobs. White Oak reserved all of its rights and soon after filed a notice and demand for arbitration against CDOT under both contracts.