Washington keeps giving Black & Veatch work overseas; Black & Veatch keeps giving Washington money

Over the weekend, the Star reported on local engineering firm Black & Veatch’s recent contract to keep electricity pumping in southern Afghanistan. The company landed the $266 million job without having to bid for it, and despite poor government ratings on previous projects, it worked in the war zone.

The Star didn’t wade into what role, if any, political contributions played in the government’s generosity toward the Overland Park-based firm. Perhaps that’s fair. Nowadays, most large companies are politically active, especially if they plan on grazing in Old Man Government’s field. But it’s still worth looking at who in Washington receives Black & Veatch’s checks.