COLUMBUS — The state has ordered that contractors involved with a student housing project at Ohio University must pay $756,072 in fines and back wages.

        The Ohio Department of Commerce Wage and Hour Bureau ordered Rea Contractors Inc. of Valdosta, Ga., and five subcontractors to pay the money, department spokesman Dennis Ginty said Thursday.

        Commerce officials began an investigation last spring when union leaders complained that contractors had not paid the required union-negotiated wages, employed illegal immigrants and allowed minors to work on site.

        University officials have since removed most of the subcontractors and brought in a firm to oversee the project's final phase.

        Commerce officials are seeking a total of $378,026 in back wages for 69 employees and fines of $378,026.

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