Downtown projects become 'hot spots' for P3s
Cities are promoting downtown districts aggressively for a number of reasons. First of all, they need to boost tax revenue. And, they hope to attract more visitors, conventions and tourists. At the same time, if they can revitalize their downtown areas, public safety costs often are reduced. Many mayors and councils are turning to public-private partnerships for initiatives that will help them accomplish their objectives. Here are some interesting examples:

* San Antonio's Deputy City Manager Pat DiGiovanni will leave his post and become CEO of a public-private partnership organization called Centro Partnership. This organization has big plans and it hopes to ease the process of developing projects in the center city. One of the first major initiatives, according to DiGiovanni, will be to develop a stronger street-level retail core.

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Contracting opportunities will be plentiful for construction, renovations, upgrades

Michael Huerta

Millions of dollars' worth of contracting opportunities will be available at airports nationwide thanks to recent funding awards from the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The program allocates $3.35 billion in funding each year for safety, capacity and environmental stewardship projects at airports throughout the country. Millions of these federal dollars have been awarded in the last month and more are upcoming.

"Aviation is worth $1.3 trillion to this country," said FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta, "so we invest in safety and economic competitiveness for the long term." AIP provides $3.35 billion in annual funding for airport improvement projects that are vital to maintaining the safety, capacity and environmental stewardship of our nation's airports. The FAA expects to have awarded approximately 2,500 of these grants by the end of September, after having begun distribution of the grant funds only seven months ago.

Among the awards are $1.8 million to build a Regional Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Training Facility at Florida State University close to Jacksonville International Airport. The funds will be used to provide a training facility to train for emergencies at a number of Florida and southeast United States airports. AIP funds also will provide $3.4 million for rehabilitation and extension of two taxiways at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida, $3.4 million for construction of a taxiway and installation of perimeter fencing at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois, and $6 million for upgrades at North Carolina airports that include Pitt-Greenville Airport, Harnett Regional Jetport and for the state of North Carolina's Airport System Plan Study.

Some of the other AIP grants awarded include:

• $6.8 million to improve the runway safety area at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver;
• $9 million to construct a new aircraft de-icing area at Salt Lake City International Airport;
• $32.9 million for runway safety area improvements at Oakland International Airport;
• $7.1 million to lengthen and widen the runway at Canandaigua Airport in New York;
• $15.5 million for Ralph Wien Memorial Airport in Kotzebue, Alaska, to expand runway safety areas;
• $18.4 million to reconstruct and repave the primary runway at Van Nuys Airport;
• $7.1 million to Venice (Florida) Municipal Airport for runway repairs, runway safety area upgrades and taxiway construction;
• $6.9 million for runway and taxiway improvements at Portland-Hillsboro Airport;
• $9.6 million to rehabilitate the runway and taxiway and to purchase an aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle for Orlando International Airport;
• $3.2 million for the construction of a de-icing containment facility at Indianapolis International Airport;
• $10 million as part of a multi-year project to extend the runways at Fort Worth Alliance Airport;
• $4.8 million for James M. Cox Dayton (Ohio) International Airport to expand the apron area around the terminal; and
• $6.2 million to construct a new runway at the Robert J. Miller-Ocean County Airport in Berkeley Township, N.J.

Proposal deadline extended, closing may be sometime in latter part of 2013

Sean Connaughton

 Efforts to privatize operations of the Port of Virginia have been pushed back by an extension of the deadline for submitting detailed proposals from vendors. The Virginia Port Authority recently pushed the deadline for proposals back approximately one month, which means the closing will not be later this year or early next year as expected, but now is just sometime in 2013.

The deadline now stands at Nov. 1. In discussing the use of a public-private partnership regarding port operations, Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean Connaughton said the process was "dynamic and subject to change." He said once internal reviews are completed regarding proposals, officials will move on to the next step.

Among the parties showing interest in operating the port are Virginia International Terminals, Inc., the current operating company, and international groups. Two other proposals were offered by The Carlyle Group, a Washington-based private-equity firm and RREEF, a real estate investment arm of Deutsche Bank . The unsolicited proposal of APM Terminals Inc., which operates ports worldwide, led to the Port Authority seeking other proposals to help increase the competition. APM proposed a 48-year agreement to operate state ports in Hampton Roads and the inland Front Royal port. The proposal was estimated to be worth $3.2 billion to $3.9 billion to the state, or $9 billion over the life of the lease. Carlyle's conceptual proposal for a 48-year lease with the Port Authority would be worth $1.8 billion to $2.1 billion to the state and Deutsche Bank's 50-year proposal offered more than $2.5 billion.

The port has a $41 billion impact annually on the state's economy.

Due to a scheduling conflict, Mary Scott Nabers' interview with C-Radio, a live national talk radio show dedicated to business and personal finance news and information, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 16. Nabers (pictured), president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., co-founder of the Gemini Global Group and author of Collaboration Nation, will be interviewed by C-Radio host Cynthia Nevels, Visa Practical Money Awards winner, author and entrepreneur. Nabers, one of the nation's leading experts on business opportunities, will address "Public and Private Collaboration That Work." The interview will air live here at 11:30 a.m. (CST) on Oct. 16.

Funding source not yet identified, but study ordered on mass transit system

Officials in Cobb County, Georgia, are looking into their options regarding the possibility of creating a $1 billion rapid transit bus line. Traffic congestion is at an all-time high and officials are confident a bus line that would run along Interstate 75 from Acworth to midtown Atlanta could mitigate some of the traffic problems. But, the biggest problem for the project will be funding.

The county hired a firm to perform a $1.8 million study to examine a new mass transit system. In the meantime, voters said no to a referendum that would have added a special sales tax that would provide one penny for every dollar spent in metropolitan Atlanta, with the proceeds going to upgrades and renovations to metro Atlanta roads and rails. Those who questioned the study when there was no funding source available were told by officials that the federal government could be a prime source of funding. However, to qualify for funding it would have to be shown that the project was viable. That warranted the study, they said.

"You do the feasibility studies needed so when those funding opportunities do come along, you're shovel-ready," said Cobb County Transportation Director Faye DiMassimo.

In addition to looking for funding sources, county officials are also awaiting results from a $3 million environmental impact study, which could take a year and a half to complete.

New Mexico bond issue would pay for technology upgrades

An upcoming $3.4 million school bond issue in Carlsbad, New Mexico, is aimed at providing technology upgrades at the district's 14 schools and education centers. Planned are computer and software purchases and upgrades to the district's phone system. The district would replace an existing bond with a higher interest rate so there would be no taxpayer increase involved. State budget cuts mean there is no money in the school budget to pay for the needed technology upgrades and a bond is necessary.

University of Massachusetts approved for $3.1 billion capital plan

Robert Caret

Construction of new facilities, renovations and upgrades to the five campuses of the University of Massachusetts system are part of a five-year, $3.1 billion capital plan recently approved by system regents. This plan comes on the heels of a $2.4 billion plan previously approved that netted new dorms and academic buildings in the last 10 years. The university is building on the fact that students are attracted to college campuses that have higher quality facilities and UMass is attempting to stay in that race, according to President Robert Caret. The plan provides for funding of $1.1 billion for the system's flagship campus at Amherst. Boston is in line for $897 million while Lowell is slated for $513 million. Dartmouth will get $286 million and the Worcester medical school is to receive close to $258 million. Funding for the projects will come from the university budget, borrowing, government funding and private donations. Some of the projects are already under way, such as new life sciences labs at the Amherst campus and the Boston campus' new integrated science complex.  

 

New Jersey school district to issue RFP for solar panel installation

The Board of Education of the Tenafly, New Jersey, schools plans to release a request for proposals in October for a qualified vendor to install solar panels at the district's schools. The solar panels are aimed at reducing power costs for the school district. The school's architect is currently completing plans and specifications related to the project so that an RFP can be issued. The panels are to be installed at the middle and high schools and possibly the middle school parking lot. The board is expected to sign a panel purchase agreement in October. The providers will earn Solar Renewable Energy Credit money and will pay a portion of the bill that provides a savings for the school district. The district is guaranteed a certain amount of money each year. Installation should take three to four months.  

 

Michigan State planning $18 million expansion of its Spartan Stadium

An expansion and renovation of Spartan Stadium, home of the Michigan State Spartans, will get an $18 million expansion and facelift thanks to action by the Michigan State Board of Trustees. The project includes a two-level addition that will have a recruitment centre on the concourse, as well as media rooms, renovated locker rooms and team areas and space for future restrooms and concession areas. The board approved the planning phase and next will move into construction. The project will be paid for by fundraising activities of the athletic department. The stadium recently added new scoreboards costing $10 million.  

 

Funding approved for renovations at Maryland's Snow Hill High School

Virgil Shockley

A project that will result in renovations and additions to the Snow Hill High (Maryland) School recently was approved for funding by the Worcester County Commissioners. The commissioners approved allocating $255,000 from the county's general fund balance to the Board of Education. Some $165,000 of that is allocated for architectural fees, with the remaining $90,000 for construction management pre-construction services in 2013. The project calls for updating of classrooms, a new media center, computer labs, a science wing, a gym, cafeteria and kitchen and a new athletic complex. Additionally, the facility that was built in 1958 will also have sustainability and high-efficiency features that include geothermal heating and cooling, motion-activated lights, insulated glass and low-flow plumbing fixtures. Bids may be sought as early as May of next year with groundbreaking in January 2014. County Commissioner Virgil Shockley, in whose district Snow Hill is located, said a review of a similar project for the Pocomoke school would help the construction group identify any issues that occurred during that project. Shockley said portable classrooms already have been set up, in anticipation of construction startup.

 

Arkansas community college awarded funding for new aviation building

The Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, Arkansas, will use $1.5 million in grant funds to help defray the costs of a new building for its aviation maintenance technology program. The funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Administration. The plan calls for construction of a 22,000-square-foot building on land adjacent to the West Memphis Airport. It will include an aircraft hangar, classrooms, labs and support areas for the college's aviation maintenance program.

 

El Paso awarded grant funding for Sun Metro vehicles

Sun Metro in El Paso will receive a $1.2 million federal grant to be used to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles that run on natural gas. The funds will be used to help replace older buses with new compressed natural gas vehicles. Officials with Sun Metro said that 14 new vehicles can be purchased with the grant money and will be used for its paratransit system that serves more than 5,000 users. These particular vehicles are used mostly by elderly and disabled citizens. The Sun Metro project is one of several in Texas chosen to share $59 million from the 2012 Clean Fuels Grant Program.

Virginia to benefit from transportation funds not used in other states

Use it or lose it turned out to be good news for the state of Virginia. The state is benefitting from $52 million in transportation funds that other states did not utilize. The Federal Highway Administration reallocated those funds to the Virginia Department of Transportation, which will use the money mostly for repaving and upgrading sections of Interstates 95 and 85 in the Richmond area and Interstate 264 in Hampton Roads. States that were previously allocated funding but did not obligate those funds for projects had to return the allocation. Those funds were then made available to other states with shovel-ready projects. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will be charged with approval of the state's plans to use the funds.

Oklahoma County proposing $748.8 million package of projects

Fred Perry

Last month, the Tulsa County commissioners approved calling a Nov. 6 election on a proposed $748.8 million Vision2 package. The county approved Vision 2025 in 2003, which included a one-cent, 13-year sales tax to fund hundreds of projects that totaled $880 million. The package was eventually reduced to .6 of a cent sales tax and $530 million in projects. The county commissioners recently approved a resolution that outlines how it would spend its $92 million in Vision2 funding. According to that resolution, $38 million would be spent to build a new juvenile justice center, $25 million would go toward road and infrastructure improvements and $12 million would be used to complete enhancements to Expo Square. Another $10 million would be allocated for levee improvements and $7 million would go to park improvements, including pool renovations and replacements. Commissioner Fred Perry said the resolution shows the commitment of the commissioners to the projects that would be funded. He said it would keep people from accusing commissioners from "getting a blank check." Vision2 includes two proposals. One would establish a fund to pay for improvements and new equipment for the city-owned airport industrial complex and the other would be for quality-of-life projects.

 

Ohio studies building $3.5 million facility for housing confiscated exotic animals

The state of Ohio is moving closer to constructing a $3.5 million facility in Reynoldsburg that could be used as a temporary holding facility for exotic animals that may be confiscated by the state. A new Ohio law was passed after 50 exotic animals were released by a Muskingum County man last October. Among the animals were black bears, mountain lions and tigers. If the funding is approved, the facility would be built that could hold dozens of such animals. The new law gives the state the authority to seize such animals if they are not permitted. The building would be constructed near the state Agriculture Department's headquarters near Columbus.

 

Palo Alto to address aging infrastructure, older buildings with possible bond issue

Palo Alto officials are busy preparing for the future as they look forward to a possible solution to their infrastructure and aging facility problems. Among the needs of the city is a new public safety building to help alleviate the crowded situation at the police headquarters. A task force not only found the conditions at the headquarters unsafe, but also said the facilities present a problem not only for the officials who use the area, but for the general public as well. The public safety building is at the top of the list of projects that would benefit from passage of a bond issue that could be called for November 2014. In addition to a new police headquarters, the bond issue might also include fire stations. Two current fire stations are each more than 50 years old and reportedly have structural deficiencies and are not up to code. The public safety facilities are among about 20 projects that would be funded by passage of a bond issue. The price tag for a new public safety headquarters is $65 million, while replacing two fire stations would cost approximately $6.7 million and $7.5 million respectively.

 

Kansas trails to get infusion of $2 million in federal funding

Robin Jennison

Some $2 million in federal funding is headed to Kansas, and will be used to enhance trails in the state. Although the funds are being allocated to the Kansas Department of Transportation, which will in turn allocate the money to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), which manages the state's trails. "One of our highest priorities is to enhance ecotourism in Kansas, which includes developing a good trail system," said Robin Jennison, Secretary of KDWPT. "This level of funding will allow us to make great strides in the number and quality of trails across our state." The funding is more than the $1.3 million the state asked for and comes after the state said it would opt out of a provision in the federal highway funding law that would give money to states to develop trails. The guidelines for the grant money stipulate that the funds can be used to purchase new trails and equipment or to construct or maintain the trails or rehabilitate existing trails. 

 

Check out these recent awards: 

South Carolina public-private partnership could result in $1 billion development

Joe Riley

A $1 billion development in Charleston, South Carolina, a public-private partnership, could result in the city's largest ever single development. The partnership is between the city and the Medical University of South Carolina. The project will be on a 20-acre site near the river. Each of the partners own part of the land. The proposed project will include 2 million square feet of mixed-use development, including housing, retail space and research and technology businesses that will market the efforts resulting from the university's research. "This will be a beautiful new part of this old and historic city," said Mayor Joe Riley. The housing is expected to appeal to some of the thousands who work at the university who would be within walking distance of their jobs. The project also is expected to bring more retail development to a city that is in need of retail to boost its economy. Proposals are being distributed to companies that might be interested in becoming the master developer of the site. Officials believe the investment could be as much as $1 billion once the 20-year project is completed, with most of that investment from the private sector. The concept for the development was discussed as long ago as six or seven years, but was put on the back burner because of a slow economy.

P3 aimed at creating jobs, building business growth, stimulating economy

Skills for Chicagoland's Future, a public-private partnership built among the city of Chicago, Cook County, local businesses, job seekers, workforce development partners and education institutions, is seeking to facilitate business growth, create jobs and stimulate the regional economy. The goal is to ensure that a skilled workforce is available for local business and industry needs. This workforce development plan focuses on local businesses employee needs and ensuring members of the local workforce are properly trained for available jobs. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said a workforce development plan is essential for the economic future of the city and the area. Public sector officials note that there are almost more jobs in the county than unemployed residents. However, the skill set is not there and area residents need the training to make them qualified for these jobs. Skills for Chicagoland's Future will advocate for businesses, making sure their needs for employees are met. It will also work with companies to coordinate funding and arrange for customized workforce training. Their efforts are aimed at decreasing the number of unfilled jobs and decreasing the time it takes to fill job openings with qualified, skilled workers. 

Vermont

• The Town of Waitsfield, Vermont, is seeking bids for architectural and engineering servicesfor the design, bidding and construction administration for a new Town Office Building on a parcel of land located within the Waitsfield Historic Village District.
• The Vermont Office of Purchasing and Contracting on behalf of the Office of State Employee Workers' Compensation and Injury Prevention has issued an RFP for safety training services.
• The Vermont Veterans' Home (VVH) is seeking bids for software applications, implementation, training, conversion, integration with existing systems and services in support of implementing a financial system for their home located in Bennington, Vermont. Vendors should be aware that VVH is requesting proposal information for both an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and a financial software system.

Connecticut

• The Housing Authority of the City of Hartford (HACH) is seeking proposals from interested Energy Services Companies (ESCos) that are capable of providing comprehensive energy management and energy-related capital improvement services through an Energy Savings Performance Contract in which the selected ESCo will improve HACH's numerous building energy facilities, and housing complexes.
• The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTTRANSIT) is soliciting bids from qualified vendors to supply operator and supervisor uniforms. CTTRANSIT employs bus operators and supervisors in three locations, which the selected vendor must be able to service.
• The city of Stamford, Connecticut, is seeking bids for repairs of wastewater pumps and mixers.

Nevada

• The State of Nevada, Purchasing Division is seeking to establish contracts to procure fleet vehicles for the most current model years. The contract(s) will be for a two-year term, anticipated to begin Nov. 1, 2012, with the option to renew up to an additional two years, upon mutual agreement and if deemed to be in the best interest to the state. The Purchasing Division will issue purchase orders for state agencies on an "as needed" basis.
• The State of Nevada, Purchasing Division is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to provide repairs and installations of wiring, cabling and fiber to the agencies' communications infrastructure (WCCI) and/or telephone equipment repair and installation services statewide on an as needed basis.

Maine

• The State of Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Division of Agricultural Resource Development has issued an RFP for business plan development and investment support as authorized through the Maine Farms for the Future Program.
• Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) and Goodwill Home Association are requesting construction bids for the KVCC Harold Alfond campus/GWH Water Main Distribution Piping Upgrade (Along Route 201). This is for the replacement and upgrading of water mains and appurtenances to include new valves, service connection and hydrants. 

Kansas

• Emporia State University has issued an RFP seeking qualified vendors to provide boiler control service for the university.
• The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is seeking bids for inlet canal improvements at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area in Barton County.
   

 Are you a government official who has moved into a new position or to a new agency? Did you recently retire? Were you recently named to an executive-level position at a state-supported college, university or community college? Have you secured a new job as superintendent of a public school? If so, we'd like to hear from you - and so would your friends and colleagues - for our "Where Are They Now" column. Just drop us a line at editor@spartnerships.com and let us know about your previous job and where you are now. This week we feature Dr. Gary L. Jones.

Dr. Gary L. Jones

Dr. Gary L. Jones earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Louisiana in Monroe, graduating with honors. He was awarded double master's degrees in Administration and Supervision from the University of Louisiana in Monroe, and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was awarded his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Louisiana-Monroe. Jones served in the military for 37 years, both active and reserves. He began at the lowest military rank and retired as a Brigadier General from the Louisiana National Guard in 2006. Jones' education career includes teaching history and English, serving as junior and senior high coach, junior and senior high assistant principal, an elementary principal, director of child welfare, director of secondary education, director of maintenance and transportation, assistant superintendent and superintendent in Claiborne Parish. He is a member of the Louisiana Department of Education's Parish Superintendents' Advisory Council, the Virtual Education Study Group, the Student-Based Budgeting Task Force, the LSUE Board of Advisors and the Alexandria Recreational and Education Programs Commission. During the 2009-10 school year, Jones served as president of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. The longtime educator was named Rapides Parish Schools superintendent in November 2003 and resigned that post on Aug. 31. Jones recently accepted a post with the Louisiana Department of Education, where he will serve as special liaison to the state's school superintendents. The appointment was announced by State Superintendent of Education John C. White. 

 

Sue Padilla (top left), assistant county manager for Dona Ana County, New Mexico, has been appointed interim county manager until the return of County Manager Brian D. Haines, who is on indefinite medical leave. Peter Horoschak (top center), superintendent of the Warwick (Rhode Island) Schools, has been placed on administrative leave as a result of a personnel issue, according to school officials. Don Martin (top right), superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools since the two merged in the 1960s, has announced he will retire in June. Dr. Linda L. Han, top official of the Massachusetts Bureau of Laboratory Sciences at the William A. Hinton State Laboratory Institute, has resigned in the wake of a scandal that left another executive at the lab fired. Robert P. "Bob" Schwartz, former city manager for the cities of Monticello, Americus and Garden City, Georgia, has been chosen as the new city manager for the city of Oxford, Georgia, replacing Clark Miller, who has announced his retirement. Don McPherson, a 32-year veteran of the Ventura, California, Fire Department and assistant chief for the last three years, has been named the city's fire chief, replacing former Chief Kevin Rennie, who retired in June. The Alabama State Board of Education has picked Shelton State Community College President Mark Heinrich (middle right) as chancellor   of the state's entire community college, who was a finalist for the post along with Blake Flanders, vice president of workforce development for the Kansas Board of Regents. Pat Kelley (middle center), deputy superintendent of the Murrieta, California, school district since July and a former assistant superintendent for human resources, is expected to be named superintendent at the Sept. 27 school board meeting, replacing Stan Scheer, who will be the new superintendent of the Thompson School District in Loveland, Colorado. Carol Jacobs (middle left), who spent the last six years as administrative services director and then city manager for the city of Stanton, California, will now become city manager in Eastvale. Robert Nivakoff, police chief for the city of Stamford, Connecticut, is retiring from his post after 40 years with the police department. Dr. Greg Wanger, a forensic pathologist at the Northern Kentucky Medical Examiners Office, has been chosen as the new medical examiner for western Kentucky, replacing Dr. DeDe Schluckeier, who left in June of last year. Milton Rister, former director of administration for the Texas Governor's office and former executive director of the Texas Legislative Council, has been appointed executive director of the Texas Railroad Commission. Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard (bottom left), deputy superintendent of the Paterson (New Jersey) Public Schools, will take over as superintendent of the Albany city school district. Erik Skinner (bottom center), executive vice chancellor for programs at the California Community Colleges, has been selected as acting chancellor of the system, replacing Chancellor Jack Scott, who is retiring. Thad Taylor (bottom right), formerly with the city of Alpena, has been chosen as the new city manager for the city of Cedar Springs, Michigan. Santa Barbara, California, Fire Chief Andrew DiMizio, who has served the city's fire department in a number of posts, including interim chief and then chief in 2009, has announced he will retire Dec. 14. Dr. Marlene Strathe, former provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at Oklahoma State University, has been selected interim provost and vice president for Academic Excellence and Student Success at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Vanessa Burke, assistant director of the Administrative Services Department of the city of Stockton, California, has been chosen as the city's new chief financial officer.