California, Colorado, Texas, Virginia to benefit from funding for transportation needs

Ray LaHood

Five major transportation projects have been selected by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to become eligible to apply for federal loans to help get their construction started. The projects are in California, Colorado, Texas and Virginia and as a result of being chosen by USDOT, can now apply for loans, loan guarantees and other credit assistance through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said the funding will allow these communities "to leverage additional funding so they can tackle the big-picture transportation projects this country needs."

The projects picked were from 26 proposals USDOT received requesting a total of $13 billion in loans.

California was approved for two projects - a $1.3 billion extension and an additional lane for State Route 91 between Orange and Riverside counties and a $960 million Gerald Desmond Bridge replacement in Long Beach.

Colorado was approved for its $140 million U.S. Route 36 corridor bus rapid transit and improvements. In Texas, a $1.5 billion proposal for new toll roads and upgrades to non-toll lanes on I35 West in Tarrant County was approved. And in northern Virginia, a $927 million program to convert and extend High Occupancy Vehicle lanes to High Occupancy Toll lanes was approved.

USDOT next will review the loan application for the projects.

Could mean huge influx of cash for state budget if turned over to private sector 

Frank Ragazzo

The latest state government service being considered for privatization in New Jersey is the state lottery. Already, the state has given over to private firms some of its state parks, public schools and Atlantic City Expressway toll booths. Other services being studied for possible privatization are highway maintenance, state vehicle maintenance, cooking prison food and child support payment processing.

The New Jersey lottery is a $2.6 billion government function. Some vendors already have submitted their ideas of how privatization might work and are hopeful that a Request for Proposals will be forthcoming. Like other states also considering privatization of their lottery, either seeking a vendor to manage it or to offer a long-term lease arrangement, privatization could result in an immediate infusion of cash into the state coffers.

New Jersey Lottery Commission Chair Frank V. Ragazzo has confirmed that there has been talk of privatization, but offered no details.

Last year, the state lottery brought in more than $930 million. Of that amount, $106 million was dedicated to education, $156 million was allocated to state psychiatric hospitals and $582 million went to colleges and universities.

Massachusetts town approves school feasibility study, repairs

Following a town meeting in Northboro, Massachusetts, officials have approved a feasibility study for the Lincoln Street School, along with $62.4 million in repairs and renovations for Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School. While the Massachusetts School Building Authority would reimburse almost 54 percent of the project - $33 million - the remainder would have to be paid by the seven member towns that support the school. And for the project to go forward, all seven towns would have to approve it.

University of Michigan Medical School approved for expansion

Rajesh Mangrulkar

The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved a $55 million expansion project for the UM-Medical School. The project will convert and upgrade 137,000 square feet of space in the Taubman Health Sciences Library and create more space for hands-on learning, studying and use of technology. A clinical skills training area will also be expanded. One of the goals of the expansion of the library is to ensure that would-be health care professionals will have access to online electronic medical journals and databases that can be accessed at any time from any location. Rajesh Mangrulkar, M.D., associate dean for medical student education at UM-Medical School said the project will "demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the excellence of our medical student educational programs" and will create an "unmatched" learning experience for students for students at the medical school.

Seattle residents could face more than $1 billion school bond vote next year

It's not yet set in stone, but Seattle residents next year could be looking at deciding the fate of a nearly $1 billion bond election that would result in reopening of some schools and rebuilding and upgrading of others. It would be the city's largest school bond issue in history. Officials are looking at possibly two propositions on the ballot - one for construction and one for operations. The construction amount would be near $700 million over six years and $500 million for operations for three years. An unpredicted surge in student enrollment could lead the district to open some schools it closed in recent years. The plan would permanently reopen five schools and two others would be opened temporarily. The number of portable buildings being used would be cut in half. School board members will continue to work on the possible bond proposals through the summer and are expected to vote on a list of bond projects by October. 

Energy efficiency funds approved for both New York state, local buildings

Gil Quiniones

With a goal of reducing energy consumption by 20 percent over the next four years, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced a state investment of $800 million toward that goal. The investment will be funded through debt issues by the New York Power Authority, according to Authority President Gil Quiniones. Saying the energy-saving technology will benefit the environment, Quiniones also noted they will "create jobs, keep energy dollars in New York state and free up resources for the essential services of tax-supported public facilities." Officials say state building updates will cost $450 million and $350 million will be spent on local government, schools and public hospitals. The Authority will issue the debt, which will be repaid from money resulting from the energy savings. The upgrades will include automated energy management systems, electric motors and new energy efficient lighting.

San Diego County Water Authority seeking investment services

A firm to provide custodial and safekeeping services for some of the investment securities of the San Diego County Water Authority is being sought. Although the total portfolio for the authority is approximately $770 million, the Request for Proposals is for custodial services of only about $463 million that is held in three separate operating fund accounts. The RFP was issued because the current custodian increased its fees significantly. The RFP is to ensure the best and most competitive price. The firm selected must be a state or national bank, savings association or federal association, federal or state credit union or federally insured industrial loan company. It must have at least 10 years' experience in the investment custody business.

District of Columbia releases RFP soliciting bids for Medicaid contract

The District of Columbia has released a Request for Proposals seeking bids for managed care companies to manage the city's Medicaid program. Three contractors are being sought to take over the District's Medicaid and HealthCare Alliance programs beginning in May of next year. A fourth contractor is sought for the last year of the current contract. The D.C. Council has not yet decided whether it will extend contracts for the current two companies. One of the current contractors has managed most of D.C.'s Medicaid patients for more than 10 years. But the owner of that company has been investigated as part of a federal corruption investigation. It is doubtful the contract will be extended if he is still involved with the company. It is questionable if the other company will rebid, as it has reportedly suffered increasing losses since its first year of administering insurance plans for the District four years ago.

Renovations in line for New Jersey's Bergen County courthouse

Kathleen Donovan

Using $7 million in forfeiture funds from the county prosecutor, the Bergen County Courthouse is about to get a major overhaul. Prosecutor John L. Molinelli called the $7 million a "down payment" on the overall project, which is expected to be bid in the next few months. Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan said the courtrooms will be renovated one at a time, with new plumbing, new electric and more. A five-story parking deck will be built and will include solar panels. A smaller building will be built adjacent to the justice complex. The money will come from the seized asset fund managed by the prosecutor's office. The funds are from seizure of cash, motor vehicles and equipment used during commission of crimes. The project, once bid, is expected to take three years to complete.

RFP sought by USDOT for coaches for Amtrak

A request for proposals for 130 new standardized double-deck coaches has been issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The coaches will be used on Amtrak's intercity routes in California, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri and possibly Iowa. According to the RFP, all components of the coaches must be built in America, by Americans and with American-produced steel, iron and manufactured goods. A supplier is expected to be named during the fourth quarter of the year, with deliveries to begin in 2015. The coaches will be paid for through the Federal Railroad Administration's High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Program.

 

Improvements planned in Oklahoma City for water, wastewater systems

Some $653 million in capital funding that will be used to improve both the city's water and wastewater system in the next five years was recently approved by the Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust. The proposal includes spending $488 million for water delivery and water treatment projects. The rest of the funding will be used for wastewater collection and treatment upgrades. The proposal will be paid for through rate increases. A 100-mile, 60-inch-in-diameter water pipeline will be designed and constructed to supplement the current pipeline. Other projects include expanding water treatment plants, replacing residential water lines and building more water storage capacity.

 

Ballot issue would raise funds for new police station in city in Washington

Steve Burkett

A one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax increase is on the ballot for voters in Sequim, Washington, with a successful vote meaning money will be available for a new police station. A $12 million project is planned that would include 30,000 to 35,000 square feet of space and would be home for the police and all city offices. City Manager Steve Burkett said the sales tax increase would result in $240,000 in additional tax revenue that could help defray the costs of the police station. The city currently rents space for police and the public works, planning and building departments in two locations. The rental fees are about $200,000 per year. Officials would like to see those rental fees applied to a proposed new civic center. Officials are hoping for that facility to provide an outdoor gathering place with acoustics, possible underground parking and storage and possibly sharing space with the public library.

  

For information about these and other funding opportunities,

 contact Reagan Weil at 512-531-3900.

 

Check out these recent awards:

• TTG Utilities has been awarded a $1.15 million contract by the city of Harker Heights, Texas, for construction of two parks on the north end of the city.
• Harris Corp. and Jotron AS have teamed to be awarded a five-year, $4 million contract by the U.S. Army to modernize the communication infrastructure that supports aerial missions at the White Sands Missile Range.
• Barr Co. has been awarded a $1.2 million contract from the city of Austin, Texas, for terminal HVAC improvements at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
• ManTech International Corp. has been awarded a three-year contract for $46 million by the U.S. Navy to provide flight test support solutions for the Navy Air Systems Command Manned and Unmanned Air Vehicle Evaluation Division.
• Asplundh Tree Expert Co. has been awarded a $6 million contract by the city of Austin, Texas, for utility line clearance services.
• Ameresco Inc. has signed a contract valued at $4.66 million with four colleges in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System for energy upgrades and retrofits in a 13-year energy savings performance project. The colleges include Ashland Community and Technical College, Big Sandy Community and Technical College, Gateway Community and Technical College and Maysville Community and Technical College.
• Fay, Spofford and Thorndike has been awarded a $977,863 contract for the final design of the Broad Street Parkway Bridge in Nashua, New Hampshire.
• G&H Contracting Inc. has been awarded a $14.9 million construction contract by the Salem (Virginia) School Board to build a new South Salem Elementary School.
• Ameresco Inc. has signed and started construction on an energy savings performance contract with the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada for more than $4.5 million of energy efficiency improvements. 
• Zitro Electric LLC was awarded a contract for $312,500 from the Texas Water Development Board to construct a new office annex building for the Agua Special Utility District.

Transportation projects in Pennsylvania awaiting action on P3 project bill

Rick Geist

Having already passed the House in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, a bill that would allow the state to lease transportation assets to private firms is awaiting action in the Senate. Like many other states, Pennsylvania is facing deteriorating infrastructure and declining revenues. Rep. Rick Geist's bill, HB 3, would allow for public-private partnerships as a way of increasing funding availability for transportation projects. State officials estimate the annual need for transportation infrastructure at $3.5 billion. The bill is designed to encourage private investment in some of the state's largest infrastructure assets and thus free up the state's limited public funds for maintenance and safety projects. The bill author called his legislation a "home run" and said he would also author another piece of similar legislation relating to infrastructure needs for municipalities. Under Geist's bill, the public entity or agency would maintain ownership of the asset, but would contract with private investors to develop, construct, manage, operate and in some instances finance certain projects. User fees and tolls would help the investors recoup their investments. The legislation comes at a time when the state has more than 5,000 structurally deficient state-owned bridges and some 8,000 miles of roads in poor condition. A public-private partnership could address those needs, while also creating jobs.  

Long-term federal transportation bill could mean boon for P3s

Experts say passage of a long-range federal transportation bill would open the government contracting marketplace up to possible public-private partnerships (P3s). Although a 90-day extension was approved that extends the Surface Transportation Bill through September, the U.S. House and Senate are still trying to iron out their differences for a long-term bill. While the short-term extension at least allows for gasoline taxes to continue to be collected and distributed, officials at the recent Federal Association of Municipal Analysts conference said a long-term solution would be more conducive to opening up new financing options, including P3s. As local governments face budget deficits, many are at least exploring the possibility of partnerships with private investors for their large infrastructure needs. But, they need long-term stability in available funding that a multi-year transportation bill would provide. Analysts note that because lawmakers are not prone to increasing gas taxes and other fees that could be dedicated to transportation needs and because the fuel tax receipts are declining, that the best option may be P3s and other innovative financing options.

Colorado Department of Transportation may consider P3 for work on US 36

Stacey Stegman

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) could consider a public-private partnership for a proposed project to extend express HOV lanes from Pecos Street to the Interlocken exit of US 36. Officials in Colorado hope to begin the first phase of the project, at a cost of $310 million, by midsummer. But, they are also looking for a revenue source for Phase 2 that would extend the express HOV lanes to the Table Mesa exit in Boulder. Stacey Stegman, spokesperson for CDOT said the agency is looking at public-private partnerships to leverage interest in local, state and federal projects and bring financing methods to the equation. CDOT notes four private sector entities have shown interest in the project - to design, build and finance the second phase and operate and maintain the managed lanes on US 36. The private partner would collect and keep the tolls from the project as a means of repaying its investment. Officials hope to have Phase 2 completed by 2015.

 

Wisconsin

• The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is seeking bids for construction of an unheated storage building at the Pershing Wildlife Area in Taylor County. The work includes design/build of a 60' X 80' pole type building with concrete floor and aprons and gravel surfaces.
•  The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is seeking bids for reconstructing an existing University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire parking lot, access road and building loading area by removing existing asphalt pavement and concrete curbing; salvaging electrical light poles; grading the site; constructing new storm sewer, compacted base course, concrete curb and gutter, asphalt pavement and concrete walkways; installing parking lot and pedestrian lighting using salvaged light poles and new owner-furnished fixtures; and restoring turf areas.
• The University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point is seeking bids for the Debot storm water system renovation.

Illinois

• The Illinois Youth Center at St. Charles, Kane County, is seeking bids for replacement of HVAC in residential cottages.
• Bids are expected to be sought in July for an $85,000, 80-bed addition and replacement of the roofing system at the LaSalle Veterans Home in LaSalle County.
• Bids are expected to be sought later this month for installation of a $1.14 million geothermal system at Camp Lincoln (Springfield) in Sangamon County.

Kansas

• The Kansas Department of Administration is seeking bids for a project of approximately $225,000 for Parking Lot 1 South improvements.
• The Kansas Department of Transportation is seeking bids for reroofing of the Olathe KHP Office.

Arkansas

• The State of Arkansas Office of State Procurement has an open-ended solicitation for securities and investments legal services.
• The University of Arkansas Fayetteville is soliciting responses from interested firms to provide general contractor construction management services for the Science Building renovation.

New York

• The New York State Office of General Services on behalf of the OGS Real Property Management and Development Group is seeking bids for chiller maintenance service at the Harriman Office Building Campus, Building 17.
• The New York Office of General Services Procurement Services Group is seeking bids for 2012 and 2013 model light duty vehicles up to 11,000 GVWR including law enforcement.

Louisiana State University System President John Lombardi (top left) has been fired by the system's governing board after seven years of service to the system, and will be on administrative leave until his contract ends at the start of next year. Heath Morrison (top center), superintendent in Reno, Nevada, since 2009, has been tapped by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina) Board of Education to serve as the school district's new superintendent. Leonard Waterworth (top right), who has served as interim executive director of the Port of Houston Authority for the last three months and is a former president and CEO of a Houston-based engineering consulting firm, has now been officially appointed to the post full-time. Teri Richardson, assistant director at the Minnesota State Board of Investment and former manager of $13 billion in pension and other assets for the former Northwest Airlines, recently announced her resignation. Scott A. Green of Rehoboth Beach has been appointed executive director of the Delaware River and Bay Authority, replacing Executive Director Jim Johnson, who announced his retirement in February. Randy McCallon, assistant superintendent of the Calloway County (Kentucky) Schools, will be the next superintendent of schools for the Carlisle County School District, replacing Dr. Keith Shoulders, who is retiring. Intelligence professional Betty Sapp (middle right), has been selected to head the top defense spy satellite agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, replacing her former boss, retired Gen. Bruce Carlson, who recently resigned. Barbara Bowman (middle center), chief of Chicago Public Schools' early childhood program since 2004 who co-founded the Chicago School for Early Childhood Education, now known as the Erikson Institute, has announced she is stepping down from that position. Eric Eikenberg (middle left), chief of staff to former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, has been named the new chief executive of the Everglades Foundation. Mark Zito, who has served as superintendent of the East Hartford (Connecticut) schools since 2009, has been chosen to head the Rocky Hill school district beginning this fall. Following a search that began in January by a 22-member committee, the North Country Community College in New York has chosen Steve Tyrell to be the college president. Jack Griffin, currently city manager in Sebastapol, California and former administrator in Chula Vista, has been hired as the city manager in San Marcos, California, becoming only the third city manager in the last 30 years. Dr. John Armstrong (bottom left), a former Army trauma surgeon and a health official for the University of South Florida, has been selected as Florida's new surgeon general and Secretary of the Florida Department of Health, replacing Dr. Frank Famer, who stepped down in March. Lillian M. Lowery (bottom center), Delaware Secretary of Education, has been hired as Maryland's new state school superintendent, effective July 1. Laurie Lachance (bottom right), president and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation for the last eight years and the former state economist, has been hired as president of Thomas College in Maine, replacing George Spann, who is retiring after 23 years at the college. Dr. Johnny Moore, executive vice president of student affairs at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, has been chosen as the 13th president of Philander Smith College, succeeding Dr. Walter Kimbrough, who has taken another presidency at a university in New Orleans. Todd Gressick, manager of three airports for the Delaware River and Bay Authority, will be the next airport manager for Four Corners Regional Airport in New Mexico. Christopher Marsala, captain in the Manalapan, New Jersey, Police Department, will be sworn in as the township's new chief on May 9, replacing Chief Louis Moreto, who recently retired.