Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public Media

Nerie Construction won't immediately receive $8.3 million for a completed drainage and paving project after the Houston City Council and Mayor John Whitmire withheld the payment on Wednesday due to bribery allegations.

The bribery allegations against company owner Joseph Nerie stemmed from an investigation by television station KPRC. He was among seven people charged in May 2024 for allegedly bribing a Houston Public Works employee to obtain city contracts.

"As far as I’m concerned, this individual and his company should not get any city payments," Whitmire said, adding that the payment was intended to flow to subcontractors of Nerie Construction. "On the appearance, you would think you’re still doing business with the Nerie Construction co

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