Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced December 17 that a settlement has been reached with Powers Fasteners, Inc., Brewster, N.Y., regarding the July 10, 2006 Interstate 90 tunnel plenum collapse that killed a 38-year-old local woman, Milena Del Valle. According to the agreement Powers will stop future sales of its fast-set epoxy and recall all previous sales. The firm will also pay a $16 million settlement: $15.5 million will go to a state transportation infrastructure fund and $500,000 to the City of Boston.

According to Coakley the deal closes out most civil and criminal matters resulting from the tragedy. In 2006 the AG filed a civil suit against the firm, which was also indicted for involuntary manslaughter in 2007. She notes the penalty for a corporate conviction in Massachusetts is only a $1,000 fine. "The settlement avoids a lengthy and expensive trial while serving as a deterrent and protecting public safety," says Coakley.