The tragedy this week in Boston brings a laser focus to a relatively new federal program that encourages updates to all the country's 9-1-1 technologies. Some of the emergency systems date back to 1968, so the impetus to upgrade is reasonable.

This latest effort is led by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The program that they are leading, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1), provides guidelines and funding resources. It also communicates clear expectations for officials to follow when implementing the new technologies.

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Three agencies form partnership to increase efficiency, save millions of dollars

Robert Duffy

State officials say the consolidation will improve both IT security and efficiency and eliminate duplication. Cuomo called the data center "one of the most advanced and cost-effective data centers in the world."  

"An increasing number of New Yorkers are using the Internet as the primary way to access state services, so it is critical that we have an IT infrastructure that is reliable, secure and cost effective," said Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy. "Through consolidation and centralization of services and facilities, we can maximize efficiency and reliability of those services, all while saving taxpayer dollars."  

Alain Kaloyeros

"This agreement reveals the power of partnerships," said CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. "This innovative approach will pay multiple dividends, as the data center will concurrently accelerate IT business opportunities for CNSE's corporate partners who will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, unparalleled resources, and novel information technologies."

This IT partnership is the first of its kind by any state. The NY data center is a "Tier III" designated center, a designation reserved only for the top facilities worldwide. It provides a guaranteed, comprehensive availability of services, even during routine maintenance and equipment upgrades. The NY center is part of Cuomo's IT transformation effort started in 2011 - resulting in a consolidation across state agencies to create an enterprise-wide IT infrastructure and services. In addition to creating efficiencies, the consolidation also has reduced data center space and server needs, improved reliability and facilitated adequate disaster recovery for state IT applications and data. Over the next 15 years, the center will result in significant cost savings through economies of scale alone.

Wayne State University seeking developer for residential, retail, event center

Ned Staebler

After completing the first phase in 2008 of the South University Village District, Studio One apartments and retail, officials of Wayne State University have issued a request for proposals (RFP) for development of a mixed-use project that would include residential apartments, retail and an event and conference area. Both projects are part of the university's 2020 master plan to continue its residential and commercial development in the South University Village District.

Although the project was slowed by the economic downturn following the completion of the first phase in 2008, the university now expects a strong response from developers to the latest RFP. "We are excited to work with a private developer to bring new housing to the market for those who want to live in a vibrant, thriving community and be a part of Midtown's revitalization," said Ned Staebler, Wayne State's vice president for economic development.

The RFP seeks a four- to seven-story building that complements the surrounding environment. The RFP stresses that the project should be pedestrian-friendly, energy efficient and include a conference/event space for up to 300 people. The site would be leased from the university by the developer and the developer will finance the project's construction. The developer also might lease parking spaces in a university facility that was constructed during the first phase of development.

Central Michigan trustees approve $95.3M biosciences building

A proposed $95.3 million Biosciences Building project has been approved for the campus of Central Michigan University by its Board of Trustees. The four-story, 2158,934-square-foot building (as seen in the accompanying artist's rendering) will include research facilities, laboratories, 40 faculty offices, an auditorium and classrooms for biology and science studies. The new building is expected to be completed in fall 2017 and will have a molecular biology core, isotope lab, imaging center for electron microscopes, herbarium and vivarium. After 10 years of planning for the facility, Central Michigan President George Ross called the vote to move forward "momentous." Ross noted, "This is a significant change for the university in biological sciences." Ross said CMU will not borrow any money until next year and that the university may hold a $5 million fundraising campaign for the project. CMU will pay for the $95 million building with $30 million in Capital Outlay funding from the state and the rest with internal reserves, donations and proceeds from issuance bonds. Officials expect that in the next 12 to 15 months, the administration will consider detailed planning for the Biosciences Building and break ground next summer. Crews will move dirt in the fall for the new building, a three-year project. The Biosciences Building will be LEED Silver certified and will have energy-saving measures such as solar panels and rain-water capture.

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Ada Municipal Airport gets grant to reconstruct taxi lane pavement

Cody Holcomb

The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission has awarded a grant of $92,000 to the Ada Municipal Airport to help defray the cost of reconstruction of the pavement on the airport's taxi lane. Ada City Manager Cody Holbomb said the airport is outgrowing its current facilities. With all of the facility's hangars full, Holcomb said an additional six jets are expected to be based at the aiport by the end of the year. The complete reconstruction project is expected to cost approximately $102,000. With the grant paying for $92,000 of that total, the city will contribute the remainder in matching funds. The airport provides fueling services, storage hangars and a fixed-base operator. It is the only jet-capable airport in Pontotoc County. It is located two miles north of downtown Ada and was recognized as the state's best in 1999 and again in 2009

Port of Long Beach issues RFP for project management consultants

The Port of Long Beach, California, has issued an RFP seeking proposals from consultants seeking to provide project management for a new contained chassis supply model. The project would be part of an effort to develop a more efficient system. Officials are looking for a more efficient process for container transportation at ports in both Long Beach and Los Angeles.  A Chassis Operations Group, including representatives of railroads, ocean carriers, trucking firms, terminal operators, cargo owners and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, is seeking the new, more efficient processes. Chassis owned by ocean carriers reportedly take up too much space at the terminals, so the RFP seeks information from all industry stakeholders, including a new chassis supply model. The Chassis Operations Group has in mind the possibility of a third-party contractor who could determine a better, more efficient chassis supply process. 

  

Loans approved for wastewater treatment plant in South Dakota

Dennis Daugaard

Loans of $8.3 million have been approved by the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources for construction of a wastewater treatment system to serve the city of Box Elder and Ellsworth Air Force Base. Included in the funding is $6.812 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund that will be used for construction of a wastewater interceptor line from the air base to the treatment facility. Funds in the amount of $1.469 million from the Consolidated Water Facilities Construction Program will be used to build a water line to the regional wastewater treatment plant. "Building a regional wastewater treatment facility for these neighboring entities makes sound economic sense and is also good for the environment," said South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard. The governor has made the long-term viability of the Air Force base a top priority of his administration. The financial assistant from the loans will help the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority construct a regional wastewater treatment facility to meet the needs of both the Air Force base and community of Box Elder. He said the completion of this project is just another way to ensure Ellsworth remains an asset to the military and the state. The funding package will cover the estimated cost of the two projects. Loan terms for both loans are 3 percent for 20 years.

Proposal would tear down bridge, lower two miles of highway

A proposal by the Colorado Department of Transportation calls for tearing down a 60-year-old bridge and lowering about two miles or Interstate 70 across Denver. The $1.8 billion proposal also would add two lanes in each direction along 12 miles of Interstate 70 and putting a landscaped cover over the highway between Columbine and Clayton streets. The hoped-for outcome would be reduced congestion, improved safety and easier on and off access on the interstate. CDOT officials do not have funding in hand to pay for the project, but are confident they can find a funding solution. The project would likely be completed in phases. Public hearings are slated on the proposed plan, after which both state and federal approval would be sought. With that approval, the first phase of construction could begin as early as 2016.

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Partnership in Houston to lead to new convention center hotel

The city of Houston is preparing for the construction of its second convention center hotel. To be located next to the George R. Brown Convention Center, the facility is the product of a public-private partnership involving the city, Houston First Corp. and Rida Development Corp.

Houston First is funding the purchase of the hotel site, construction of an 1,800-space parking garage and other improvements. The property will be transferred to Rida. The hotel will be a 1,000-room, $335 million Marriott Marquis, making Houston one of only six cities in the nation that is home to a Marriott Marquis.

The project's geotechnical work will begin soon, followed by a proposed construction start next year. Completion is expected in spring 2016. 

 

North Carolina county seeks partnership for new facility

Jeff Hudson

Having a private sector partner build and then lease back to the county a new Social Services Department building is the goal of the Onslow County, North Carolina, Board of Commissioners. County officials have asked the state's General Assembly to approve the proposal. County officials say such an arrangement would help leverage federal funds, because while the federal government helps counties pay for social services, it pays more when the property is being rented rather than owned by the local government. And, the country currently does not have local funding to build a new building.

 

Should the county rent the new facility, it will be reimbursed about 30 percent of the rental cost and not face annual depreciation of a county-owned facility, said County Manager Jeff Hudson. "It's about leveraging more federal funds for a new building that is a public necessity," he said.

 

Although the legislation filed is exclusive only to Onslow County, lobbyists for the construction industry say it could become a model for other public-private partnerships throughout the state. Social Services is now housed in several different spaces that officials say are structurally deficient. Officials pay more than $320,000 annually for rent. The county would also build a new parking lot adjacent to the facility that could be used by the agency, City Hall and visitors to the downtown area.  

 

Fort Worth exploring possible P3 for water, wastewater services

Officials in Fort Worth have appointed a Water Utility Task Force and hired a consulting firm that specializes in serving municipal governments and utilities to explore the possible use of a public-private partnership for delivery of city water and wastewater services. The nine-member task force was appointed last month and includes community and industry leaders. The group will eventually advise the City Council regarding its options for management of the city's water utilities. The group will be looking for value-added solutions that also may lower utility costs for users.

 

EMA, Inc., the consulting firm hired by the city, completed a performance assessment for operation of the city water services in 2010. Included was a review of the methods and operations of the city water utility. Now, EMA will be asked to compile information and case studies to be used to evaluate costs and benefits of a variety of delivery methods, including public-private partnerships.

 

The end result will be EMA developing and managing a solicitation process that would seek proposals for public-private partnerships that could manage and operate the city's water and sewer utility. The City would solicit letters of intent and, if possibly full proposals for the provision of utility management and operations. The next meeting of the Water Utility Task Force is planned for May 8. 

 

RFI issued for Maryland National Purple Line, Baltimore Red Line

A request for information (RFI) seeking private sector proposals on how best to finance and deliver the Maryland National Capital Purple Line and the Baltimore Red Line has been issued by the Maryland Department of Transportation's Maryland Transit Administration. The RFI comes on the heels of passage by the State Legislature of a bill allowing public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects in the state.

 

Gov. Martin O'Malley, who last week signed the legislation into law, said the new law will generate $4.4 billion in private funding for transportation in its first six years. The RFI is expected to facilitate the state's moving forward on these two transit projects by proposing to MTA how the projects will be financed, built and operated. While such projects in the past generally have relied on a design-build method, MTA officials now are also exploring methods that might combine some or all of the engineering, construction and operation of the rail line with assistance of the private sector. The end result sought is a savings of both time and money on the projects, with high-quality service as well.

 

The state is hoping for construction to start on the Purple Line and Red line in 2015, with completion and opening by around 2020.

 

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. Carol Folt.

Dr. Carol Folt earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, her Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, and conducted postdoctoral studies at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station of Michigan State University. Folt has spent the last three decades working at Dartmouth College. She joined the Dartmouth faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences in 1983. Since then, she has served Dartmouth as provost, acting provost, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, associate dean of the faculty for interdisciplinary programs, dean of graduate studies and associate director of Dartmouth's interdisciplinary Superfund Basic Research Program. Folt became interim president of Dartmouth on July 1, 2012. She is an environmental scientist and holds an endowed faculty position as "The Dartmouth Professor of Biological Sciences" in the Faculty of Arts & Sciences. Folt received the Dartmouth Huntington Prize for excellence in teaching and research in 1991 and was one of the original faculty involved in Dartmouth's Women in Science Project - a first of its kind program designed to address the under-representation of women in science, mathematics and engineering. In 2010, she was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences in recognition of her contributions to environmental science and higher education. Folt was recently chosen to become the chancellor of the University of North Carolina flagship campus at Chapel Hill.

Nancy Schmid (top left), CEO of Kingfisher Regional Hospital in Oklahoma, has been named the new chief executive officer of the North Sonoma County (California) Healthcare District, which owns and operates the 43-bed Healdsburg District Hospital, replacing former CEO Evan Rayner, who stepped down. Scientist and oncologist Ethan Dmitrovsky, M.D. (top center), professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, will be the next provost and executive vice president at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, leading the research and educational programs. Gov. Tom Corbett has nominated Michael Wolf (top right), the state's acting health secretary and a former pharmaceutical lobbyist, to be secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Oakland (Calif.) school superintendent since 2009, Tony Smith, will leave that job in June, and he and his family will be moving to Chicago to be closer to his wife's parents, who are facing health problems. Longtime Harrisburg, Oregon, City Administrator Bruce Cleeton will step down at the end of May and Brian Latta, associate planner for the city of Corvallis, is expected to begin work May 20. Seattle Police Chief John Diaz has announced his retirement and Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel will serve as interim chief. Teig Whaley-Smith (middle right), an attorney and community developer, has been named as Milwaukee County's economic development director by County Executive Chris Abele. Just days after being named lone finalist for superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District, Sunnyside, Arizona, Unified School District Superintendent Manuel L. Isquierdo (middle center) has withdrawn his name from contention after personal financial issues came to light. The Greenwood, Mississippi, School Board has hired Montrell Greene (middle left) as its new superintendent to replace interim superintendent Jennifer Wilson, who recently resigned. Larry Post, a former administrator of Somerset County, has been named city manager in Eastport, Maine, succeeding City Manager Jon Southern, who opted not to have his contract renewed when it expires at the end of this month. The University of Utah has named Ruth V. Watkins, who has been serving as the dean for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois as well as professor of speech and hearing science, psychology and linguistics, as the new senior vice president for academic affairs. Charie Wallace was recently chosen from a field of three to serve as district superintendent of the Coolidge, Arizona, Unified School District. Kim Santos (bottom left), a 20-year employee of the Office of Credit Unions, has been appointed to head the Wisconsin Office of Credit Unions, succeeding Ginger Larson, who announced last week she will retire in June after 17 years with the office, including nine years as director. Elaine Kaplan (bottom center), currently general counsel at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, will take over as acting director of the agency next week, succeeding Director John Berry, who recently announced he would leave the agency. Alamosa, Colorado, officials have named Heather Brooks (bottom right), currently an assistant city manager in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as city manager. Brendan Kelley, chair of the communication arts department and director of UWF's School of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, has been appointed by President Judy Bense to serve as interim vice president for university advancement. James R. Peiffer, Jr., current intermediate principal of Starpoint Central School District, has been chosen as assistant superintendent of the Penfield, New York Central School District, effective July 1. Dave Cox, Jr., a retired captain with the Flint, Michigan, Fire Department who worked for Flint for 23 years and retired a decade ago after working in fire prevention and inspection, has been named the city's new fire chief.