In a struggling economy, job creation as well as job retention depends on thriving communities. And, thriving communities often depend more on a well-trained workforce than on lifestyle amenities or population growth. Simply put, companies don't relocate to places that cannot offer workforce talent.

Here's a tip that is not universally known, at least not to employers. There are federal funds available to states for workforce training. In fact, the federal government makes millions available to state workforce agencies in each state. The state agencies then allocate these funds to employers or to community colleges for training programs. Now that economic development and job creation are such critical issues, these funds are extremely attractive.

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Colorado upgrades could cost state $25 billion over 10-year period

Treatment plants like this one in Colorado could face millions of dollar's worth of upgrades if a proposed regulation is changed.

A proposed water-quality-control regulation being considered by the Colorado Water Quality Control Division could result in the need for billions of dollar's worth of upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities throughout the state. The amendment proposed at the end of last year would mandate large treatment plants to better control the discharge of chemicals and nutrients. Preliminary approval for the regulations was given in March. If the amendment is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, it could become effective June 30.

If approved, about 30 percent of the state's wastewater treatment plants could spend at least $2.5 billion each on improvements, with the cost to the state over the next 10 years nearing $25 billion. And, funding for the upgrades would come from the cities served by the plants.

Most cities that operate the plants realize that utilities are fee-based and the changes that could have to be made would put the burden on ratepayers. Some cities already are involved in upgrades, such as a $12 million project in Arvada to replace aging sewer infrastructure. The Denver Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation District is currently undergoing a $1.2 billion construction project to upgrade its treatment facilities to comply with discharge permit requirements.

A blanket application of new regulations would mean facilities across the state would face millions of dollars in upgrades if they had to meet stiffer permitting requirements.

Ohio State University mulls offer for outsourcing parking

Trustees for The Ohio State University later this month are expected to vote on a proposal to outsource the university's parking operation. When bid proposals were received, the top bid was for a $483 million payment up-front, with the vendor to receive a 50-year lease on the 35,000 parking spaces that belong to the university. The proposal to privatize parking operations is a result of shrinking revenues and less financial support from the state, the same problem many state-supported universities are currently facing.

Multi-million-dollar baseball park plan for WVU moves forward

Oliver Luck

The West Virginia University baseball team is a step closer to a new multi-million-dollar stadium. A vote by the Monongalia County Commission recently to move forward with a tax increment financing (TIF) district will result in the new ballpark. WVU Athletic Director Oliver Luck said the facility could be shared with a minor league team, and several such teams have shown interest. The legislature still will have to approve the TIF. The district would allow the developer to use sales and property tax funds above a certain amount to pay off bonds for the project. Also, any revenue generated from improvements to land and buildings would also go toward the project. Luck said the park is estimated to cost between $15 million and $20 million and would replace Hawley Field, which is more than 30 years old. Officials would like to see a clubhouse built and locker rooms for home and visiting teams, along with upgraded heating and lighting and double the current 1,500 seats.

 

Construction projects being planned for University of Michigan

Construction current and future is reported in the $1 billion range, with numerous projects in the planning stages. Among the projects are a $250 million investment in non-revenue sports facilities, $150 million in dorm upgrades, $140 million in classroom and lab building renovations and $180 million to $250 million toward a new pathology building. Recently approved was a new $50 million nursing school building. Also expected in the not-too-distant future are possible dorm renovations - $50 million on the South Quad and $100 million for the West Quad. A renovation this summer costing $116 million will bring an 860-bed dorm a new look. The university is also considering renovations and a possible addition to the School of Music, Theater and Dance with a price tag of approximately $20 million. Construction is expected to begin this summer on a $23 million renovation of the Institute for Social Research that will add 44,700 square feet. Additionally, a $163 million retrofitting project has been approved for the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital. Construction bids are expected to be sought this fall for a 700-space parking structure expected to cost $34 million.

 

New schools in Maryland school district's $77.4 million school budget

Sandra French

New elementary and new middle schools as well as renovations at a number of county schools were all approved as part of the $77.4 million 2013 fiscal year capital budget for the Howard County, Maryland, Public Schools. Additionally, a capital improvement program for fiscal years 2014-2018 was also adopted. Projects within the plan total $522 million. Projects in the capital plan approved that extend to fiscal year 2022 total $1 billion. Board chair Sandra French told school system employees that in spite of dire predictions elsewhere, the school was able to come up with a healthy budget, for which she said she was both "relieved and thankful." The budget is $10 million more than last year's and includes funds to cover the new cost of teacher pensions, which now falls with the local government instead of the state. Funding teachers' retirements will cost $9.8 million in the coming year and will increase over the four-year phase-in period to $12 million in fiscal year 2014, $15 million in 2015 and $18 million in fiscal year 2016. 

 

Massachusetts school studying need for renovation, expansion program

A study of the Henry Dearborn Middle School in Roxbury, Massachusetts, should reveal how district officials should move forward to renovate and expand the school at a cost of likely tens of millions of dollars. If a plan develops, the Massachusetts School Building Authority would reimburse the school district for at least 74 percent of the project costs, with a maximum of 80 percent, and the school picking up the tab for the remainder. The study, which could take up to two years, is in the preliminary stages. One official estimated the costs at $60 million, with construction likely to start as early as spring 2014. Construction should take about 18 months.

 

Book signing heralds Nabers book 'Collaboration Nation'

Multi-use facility in Alaska to get $2 million parking upgrades

Lesil McGuire

The Dome, a privately operated inflated indoor track and playing fields operated by a nonprofit group is about to get a $2 million upgrade to its parking lot. Alaska State Sen. Lesil McGuire added the funding to the state budget. The Dome is expected to come up with the remaining $500,000 to the project. The project includes paving, curbs, lighting and fire lanes for the parking area. The project is said to have received bipartisan support in the legislature. The fields and indoor track are used by city teams during the winter for training, while thousands of others use it during the week. The governor reportedly did not remove the addition to the budget because there was public benefit from the upgrades and it was one of the many requests received from cities, schools, universities and other nonprofits. The Anchorage School District is one of The Dome's biggest clients, using the track facility.

 

Kentucky agency to seek record keeper, transition consultant

An RFP will be issued soon by the Kentucky Employees' Deferred Compensation Authority for a record keeper and transition consultant. The current record keeper's contract will expire in June of next year, and has indicated it will not be rebidding the contract. The incumbent transition consultant will assist with the record keeping switch and also will be invited to rebid. The board is hoping to have a record keeper hired in November. The consultant contract will begin July 1.

 

Yonkers issues RFP for installation of thousands of LED streetlights

An RFP has been issued by the city of Yonkers, New York, for an upgrade to the city's streetlight system. The proposal is for a comprehensive energy audit, streetlight audit and design, implementation and maintenance of new energy efficient cobrahead LEF streetlights. All of the city's nearly 12,000 current high- intensity-discharge streetlights will be replaced with LED lights. Qualifications must be submitted with bids and bids will be evaluated on experience and qualifications, financial approach, technical approach and project management and implementation. No specific LED fixture or manufacturer is required, but all fixtures in the bid must be listed by the Design Lights Consortium.

 

Chicago Transit Authority explores naming rights, sponsorships for stations

Forrest Claypool

A request for proposals for naming rights and sponsorships for 11 "L" stations that are part of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has been issued. CTA President Forrest Claypool said the partnership will provide the agency with a new source of revenue. He said this advertising opportunity is the first full-scale naming rights program at multiple stations offered by any American transit system. Stations included are O'Hare, Fullteron, Blemont, Addison, Chicago, Grand/State, 95th, North/Clybourn, Midway, Ashland 63rd and 79th. By buying naming rights, the sponsor not only will have their name and logo at the station, but also on system maps and will have exclusive advertising in the station and on other collateral such as CTA downtown tourist guides. Claypool also noted that he has signed an executive order to create preferences for the hiring of veterans of the United States armed forces. He said the goal is to attract a pool of 20 percent veterans during the application process for such positions as drivers, mechanics, engineers and managers.

 

California city hiring consultants as first step toward treatment plant

Consultants have been hired to assist the city of Malibu, California, as it starts the process of creating a Communities Facilities District. The district will be formed to finance, design and perform environmental studies related to a proposed Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility. A septic prohibition in the Civic Center area two years ago resulted in a requirement that a central wastewater facility be constructed for those properties. Commercial properties in that area must connect to the facility by 2015. Residential properties must connect by 2019. An MOU last year required a strict timeline to make sure progress was ongoing for design and construction. The proposed district would include commercial property owners who will finance the remainder of the design costs and pay the city for part of the funds that have already been spent - $2.5 million so far. After the district is organized, the city will use the bond proceeds to pay the engineering design consultant to complete the environmental studies and final design.

 

Check out these recent awards:

• CGI Group Inc. has been awarded a $91.5 million contract by the city of San Diego to provide application development and maintenance services for the city's more than 165 applications spanning 18 municipal departments. The contract includes an initial five-year base and a two-year renewal extension.
• American Bridge Co. has been awarded a $4.6 million contract by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to preserve the bridge over Snows Cut on US 421 in Carolina Beach.
• Gillette's S&S Builders submitted the low bid of $1 million for concrete slab repair on I-80 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, including work on some of the ramps at the I-25 Interchange.
• Iron Bow Technologies LLC has been awarded a contract with an estimated total value of $500 million by the U.S. Navy to provide communications and other IT equipment under a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract.
• Accenture LLC will be awarded a $359 million contract from the California Health Benefits Exchange to build an information technology system for the insurance exchange. It includes development of a consumer-friendly Web portal and an eligibility and enrollment system for the purchasing pool.
• Concur has won a $1.4 billion contract with the General Services Administration for its General Services Administration next-generation travel management system  online travel booking, authorization and voucher-processing services. The GSA's E-Gov Travel Services are used by more than 70 federal agencies. Concur will begin managing the system in the fall of 2013, and the contract will extend for 15 years beyond that.
• ICI Construction Incorporated was awarded a $2.2 million contract by the Cy-Fair Independent School District in Texas for upgrades to Pridgeon Stadium, including a new lighting system, new artificial turf, plumbing work, restroom innovations and a new air conditioning system in the press box.
• HK Contractors won a $4 million contract for patching to help preserve the pavement on highways in Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater and Uinta counties in Wyoming.
• Hudson Paving has been awarded a $5.1 million contract by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to resurface more than 37 miles of primary and secondary roads in Robeson County.
• HP Enterprise Services was awarded a five-year, $90 million contract from the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board to continue providing claims processing and other services. The agreement, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2014, is for one year with four one-year renewals.

Public-private partnership leads Arkansas to first launch of Smart911

Gilbert Baker

A public-private partnership between the state and Rave Mobile Safety has led the state of Arkansas to become the first state in the country to launch Smart911 statewide. The program is supported by state leaders, public safety officials and public service groups and will give 9-1-1 telecommunications experts, police, fire and emergency medical services more detailed information that will lead to quicker responses to emergencies with the right personnel and equipment. Smart911 is a public-private partnership that allows citizens to have the ability to create a free, private and secure safety profile that integrates the 9-1-1 system. "With Smart911, we are providing our 9-1-1 centers and emergency responders with the best possible tool to protect all of our citizens," said Sen. Gilbert Baker. Baker said the new technology is at no cost to the public and helps front-line responders to "resolve emergencies more effectively and save lives." The program allows an individual's safety profile information to be automatically displayed to 9-1-1 on an emergency call. It allows first responders to have a better understanding of the scene before they arrive.

 

Connecticut town issuing RFP leading to hotel proposals

Officials in West Hartford, Connecticut, are hoping their recent release of an RFP will lead to the development of a hotel in the city. Although the project is "not a done deal," according to Town Manager Ronald Van Winkle, it is the culmination of informal discussions that have been going on for years. The city is seeking a full-service hotel with approximately 120 rooms. Officials are seeking a company that has financial backing, experience and vision and will not make exceptions for a developer and the property will be sold or leased "as is." Van Winkle said the town already has had calls from California, Illinois and various areas of Connecticut. He also indicated that the town will evaluate all proposals and then invite some applicants in for interviews.

 

Virginia DOT switches model for its public-private partnership

The Virginia Department of Transportation has decided to switch the model for its $1.7 billion Route 46 public-private partnership to a design, build and finance model. After receiving three bids last year, VDOT and the private sector teams decided the maintenance requirement would be dropped to make the project more feasible for private sector investment. The bidders were concerned about low traffic volumes in the early years of the project. VDOT thus will control and set toll rates, reduce the concession length and maintain the facility. The private sector firm will design and build the project at a fixed cost and with fixed dates. The private partner also will be charged with developing a financial plan to identify a source of revenue to cover the difference in the costs and the public financing amount of the project. This new model is expected to see a $400 million to $600 million investment from the private sector partner, with the Virginia Port Authority throwing in $250 million over four decades and the state issuing GARVEE bonds for the balance of the costs.

 

P3 being studied by New Jersey town to develop sports complex

Tom Badcock

A public-private partnership is being studied by Old Bridge, New Jersey, officials as a way to develop a new sports complex. The Mannino Park would be used for major league-size ball parks and new Little League fields. Parks and Recreation Director Tom Badcock outlined a plan recently before the Township Council that involves a private sector developer to bring five Little League and four major league-sized fields and a 20,000-square-foot indoor training facility to the park. "The way of the future is public-private partnerships," Badcock said. He noted that the plan developed by the private partner, Jackson Yards, will not incur any taxpayer costs. The proposal includes four major league fields designed as replicas of famous ballparks. The two existing Little League fields would be replaced and three more added. A softball field and two soccer fields would also be added. The proposed partnership occurred after Jackson Yards tried to buy land in the township but there was none available. Town officials offered the alternative of leasing and developing park land through a P3. Jackson Yards would invest about $12 million for development of the project and be responsible for maintenance and operation as well. The firm also would collect fees for use of the site for tournaments. The town will not have to pay to use the facilities and will also be given annual payments for Jackson Yards to use them.

 

Ohio DOT considers public-private partnership for bridge project

A public-private partnership is being considered by the Ohio Department of Transportation as a way to raise money for the second Inner Belt Bridge and other high-dollar transportation projects throughout the state. Officials note a P3 can result in funds being raised faster for projects and those projects being finished quicker. A new law approved last year in the state allows for the use of P3s. Officials say they are exploring every avenue to try to get the bridge project completed and on time. They can seek bids from designers and builders to pay part of the estimated $317 million in costs up front. The state would then pay back the funds over time. The state has an additional slate of more than 30 other projects that will not be addressed quickly because of budget shortfalls. Plans call for two I-90 bridge replacements over the Cuyahoga River valley. The first bridge is expected to be open by fall of next year. But budget shortfalls mean delays, so ODOT is exploring P3 possibilities. The state also wants to generate more revenue by capitalizing on its assets. It is talking of the possibility of privatizing the Ohio Turnpike or leasing rest stops to service-plaza developers.

 

Indiana

• The Indiana Department of Corrections is seeking bids for a statewide Total Offender Management System.
• The Indiana State Personnel Department is seeking bids for on-site clinical development and management.
• The Indiana Family Social Services Administration is seeking bids for an Eligibility Determination Services System.

Idaho

• The Idaho Division of Purchasing is seeking bids for leasing of mobile computing devices.
• Idaho State University is seeking bids for student housing furniture.

Washington State

• The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking bids for purchase and installation of a fully functional replacement access control security system for the Kelso CSO facility.
• The Department of Social and Health Services is seeking bids from qualified organizations and individuals interested in providing sign langauge interpreter/transliterator services for persons who are deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing.

New Mexico

• The New Mexico General Services Department seeks to award three separate contracts to provide services, administer and operate the New Mexico Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) in Central and Northern, Southeastern and Southern New Mexico in conjunction with the New Mexico Department of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture.
• The State of New Mexico is soliciting proposals for a statewide price agreement to provide uniformed and non-uniformed armed security services to State of New Mexico departments.
• The New Mexico Department of Transportation is seeking services from multiple vendors for the removal and disposal of outdoor advertising signs within New Mexico DOT rights-of-way and on properties adjacent to Highway Beautification Act controlled highways.

Nebraska

• The State of Nebraska is seeking a qualified contractor to provide wireless equipment and services.
• The State of Nebraska is seeking a qualified contractor to provide courier service for Nebraska Department of Corrections facilities and locations.

Stanley Mavromates (top left), chief investment officer of the $50 billion Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management board, has announced he will resign, effective June 12, to become chief investment officer for the Americas for Mercer. John E. Roueche (top middle), who founded the nation's preeminent program for developing community college leader, is leaving his post at The University of Texas at Austin to start a similar program with the National American University. The Union County (North Carolina) school board has named Mary Ellis (top right), a 33-year veteran of the school district and current deputy superintendent as the district's new superintendent, replacing Superintendent Ed Davis. Veteran public safety official Christopher T. Geldart, president of a private sector firm that provides homeland security advice to local governments and corporations, has been nominated by Mayor Vincent Gray to serve as head of the District of Columbia's office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Utah State Chief Information Officer Steve Fletcher, who led the state's Department of Technology Services and was appointed CIO in 2005, has lost his job after a data breach of health and Medicaid data within the Utah Department of Health. Calvin Johnson, former member of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and former chair of the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has been chosen the new chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Shawn Williams (middle right), publisher and editor-in-chief of Dallas South News-hyperlocal news Web site, has been hired to manage the GrowSouth initiative and digital media for the office of Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has named Daniel Greenstein (middle center), vice provost for academic planning, programs and coordination in the University of California system, to lead its postsecondary-success strategy. Rudy Crew (middle left), former chancellor of New York Public Schools, has been nominated by Gov. John Kitzhaber to be Oregon's first chief education officer. M. Brian Blake, computer scientist, software engineer and administrator at the University of Notre Dame, has been chosen as vice provost for academic affairs and dean of the graduate school at the University of Miami. Jack Hayes, director of the National Weather Service, recently announced his retirement and will be succeeded by Laura Furgione, an acting assistant administrator. Salinas, California, City Manager Ray Corpuz has selected Deputy Police Chief Kelly McMillen, a 23-year veteran with the department, as his pick for the city's police chief. Denise A. Battles (bottom left), dean for the College of Natural and Health Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, will become provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Eduardo M. Ochoa (bottom center), the assistant secretary for postsecondary education who has served in the Obama administration since 2010, will be taking the position of interim president at California State University-Monterey Bay, replacing President Dianne F. Harrison, who will become president of Cal State's Northridge campus. President Barack Obama will appoint Washington law firm partner and former Justice Department special attorney John Sopko (bottom right) as special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction. Celia E. Cook, Medicaid service coordinator with the Disabled Persons Action Organization, has been selected as the new Parks and Recreation Department program manager for the city of Watertown, New York. The Berkeley, California, City Council recently unanimously confirmed the appointment of interim City Manager Christine Daniel as the new city manager after she served as interim city manager since November of last year following the retirement of Phil Kamlarz. Jeff Allbritten, president of Macon State College in Georgia for less than a year, was named district president of Edison State College in Florida, a campus he is familiar with after having served eight years as president of Edison's Collier County campus before moving to Macon.