Competition has never been keener for students at universities and community colleges. Enrollment continues to grow at both public and private institutions, but in spite of that, the competitive nature of recruitment has escalated throughout the country. The result is an immediate need for classrooms, labs, on-campus housing, new student centers, parking facilities, new energy sources and sports complexes. And, this is all occurring as public funding is being reduced, contributions are down and many federal grant programs are facing potential extinction. 

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Seventeen mayors participating with goal of leveraging public funds for projects

Rahm Emanuel

"A sound infrastructure is crucial to driving job creation and giving families the opportunity to pursue brighter futures for their children," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in joining former President Bill Clinton in recently launching the Infrastructure Financing for Cities Task Force. Emanuel, who chairs the task force, and Clinton will seek to leverage the leadership of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the Clinton Global Initiative's (CGI), cooperative-based, problem-solving model to attract investment in public infrastructure projects.

Clinton said the task force will help ensure that communities throughout the country "have the necessary infrastructure to compete in the global economy."

Michael Nutter

Emanuel will be joined by 16 other mayors across the country representing 17 million people. Membership includes the mayors of Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Charlotte, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco, Redmond (Washington), Philadelphia, Houston, Oakland, Baltimore, Atlanta, Mesa (Arizona) and Los Angeles.

Emanuel has long had a growing interest in infrastructure and, as mayor of Chicago, launched the Chicago Infrastructure Trust, which provides innovative financing strategies in the city. He was also involved in infrastructure initiatives as a member of the Clinton and Obama administrations.

"Improving infrastructure in cities has been a top priority for the U.S. Conference of Mayors and we are proud to partner with the Clinton Global Initiative on this important issue," said Philadelphia Mayor and USCM President Michael Nutter.

The joint effort with CGI is a natural fit for the task force as CGI focuses on bringing business, government, labor and civil society leaders together to address pressing problems worldwide. The goal of the task force is to find solutions to overcome public infrastructure investment problems, examine current methods being used to leverage private capital for infrastructure projects and to study possible innovative investment models such as an urban infrastructure bank.

Development could possibly include city hall, main library and Lincoln Park

Bob Foster

The city of Long Beach will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for developers interested in the finance, design, construction and operation of a new civic center. The center could include a new city hall, main library and Lincoln Park, the oldest park in the city, replacing existing facilities that were built in the mid-1970s. The purpose of the RFQ is to gather information and ideas from developers regarding how a public-private partnership could be structured that could include both private development and a headquarters for the Port of Long Beach.

"This project represents an opportunity to replace aging infrastructure through creative public/private financing mechanisms at little to no additional cost," said Mayor Bob Foster. City officials are hoping for a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly environment that would be built where the current Lincoln Park, City Hall and Main Library are located. The goal is to redevelop the civic center by rebuilding City Hall and the Main Library while also revitalizing Lincoln Park.

The RFQ also addresses parking needs and the addition of more mixed-use downtown development. The RFQ will close in late July and a short list will be determined in August from the proposals offered.

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Recycled wastewater would be made usable for public drinking supplies

The city of San Diego, in spite of some criticism, is apparently going forward with plans to recycle wastewater to be used for public drinking supplies. The plant the city is planning could purify 15 million gallons of city wastewater each day. A more than 20-mile pipeline would then take the water to a reservoir, where it would be mixed with other water.

The city currently has a demonstration project that has been used for two years and the project has drawn a nearly 75 percent approval rate in a survey of San Diego citizens. City officials credit that high approval rating to the fact that some residents' concerns about the safety of using wastewater as drinking water have been allayed. Additionally, most citizens realize a shortage of water could be in the near future, along with increased water rates.

New Jersey higher education institutions to share $1.3B for projects

Gov. Chris Christie

Public and private colleges and universities in New Jersey will benefit from $1.3 billion in recently announced state higher education funding. The funds represent a combination of five sources, including a $750 million capital construction bond approved last fall by New Jersey voters. The funds will be distributed to 46 colleges and universities for 176 projects. "To keep more of our best students in the state and to make our colleges more attractive research partners for industries looking to bring good paying jobs and businesses here, we need modern facilities to remain competitive," said New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Included is nearly $400 million for Rutgers University, $82 million of which will be used for a new chemistry and chemical biology building on the Busch campus in Piscataway. Health professions will get a boost through $15 million allocated to Bergen Community College for a new academic building for health professions. William Paterson University will build a new nursing and public health programs facility with its $30 million allocation. Total allocations are distributed as follows: Rutgers University (all campuses) - $357.2 million; UMDNJ - $67 million; New Jersey Institute of Technology - $99.8 million; Rowan University - $117.8 million; Montclair State University - $93.8 million; Ramapo College of New Jersey - $18.6 million; William Paterson University - $32 million; Fairleigh Dickinson University - $10.1 million; Felician College - $4.3 million; Bergen Community College - $15.8 million; County College of Morris - $10.4 million; Hudson County Community College - $11.6 million; and Passaic County Community College - $6.1 million.

 

Houston ISD seeking bids for laptops for high schools

Officials in the Houston ISD are seeking bids for laptops that will be part of a program to provide the devices to students at up to 18 high schools next school year. The one-to-one program will be among the first for a big-city school district. The district is ready to begin the first steps toward securing laptops for the first group of high schools, and plans to put them in the hands of teachers when school begins next fall and to provide them to students by the following January. The first year of the laptop rollout could cost in the neighborhood of $10 million.

 

University of Michigan gift will help build new high-density residence hall

Part of the largest single donation to the University of Michigan - $110 million - will be used to build a new state-of-the-art residence for graduate students. The gift, from philanthropist Charles T. Munger, also includes $10 million for fellowships to create a residential society encouraging graduate students from a variety of disciplines to interact and exchange ideas. The proposed residential facility will house more than 600 residents in a high-density residential-academic arrangement.  

 

North Carolina school district OK's asking for $294 million bond request

Ann Clark

Officials in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina) school district are forcing the hand of the county commissioner's court. The court has stated that it is willing to put a total of $300 million in bonds on a November ballot, but that amount will be divided between the local school district and the Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Charlotte-Mecklenburg (CMS) officials have indicated they are seeking a $294 million bond request from the court. The school board is seeking funding for 18 projects, including three new K-8 schools, a new small high school and a yet unnamed CPPC campus. Two previously closed schools would also be reopened as elementary schools. Although the school district and community college have a strong relationship, dividing up the available bonding might be difficult. "We will make a compelling case for our need," said CMS Deputy Superintendent Ann Clark. CPCC last week presented a request for $430 million in bonding authority to the county. The $300 million figure the county has said it will support is based on a county cap of $100 million per year. The commissioners are expected to vote on a bond package in June. Neither the school district nor the community college has taxing authority, thus the county controls borrowing for their construction, expansion and renovation projects.

 

University of Utah to try new concept for living center facility

The University of Utah is preparing to construct a building center where students can live, work and perfect their ideas in one facility. The design and program for the university's Lassonde Living Learning Center were recently approved by the board of trustees. It will house approximately 400 students. The $45 million project will be funded by a $15 million donation from mining executive Pierre Lassonde and $30 million in bond proceeds to be paid off through the university's housing revenue. The facility, designed to allow students to become involved in interactions that will spark entrepreneurial projects, will feature workshops, materials, computers and business lunch space as well as spots for competitions and events. It is hoped the innovative concept will foster student interest in starting businesses. 

 

Two states will apply for grant funding to replace bridge struck by tanker

To fund replacement of a bridge that was damaged by an oil tanker, the states of Maine and New Hampshire will apply for a $25 million federal grant. The two states will seek a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant to help replace the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. A successful grant application would be the second for the two states, who successfully applied for and received a similar grant for construction of the Memorial Bridge, which is expected to open this summer. In addition to the grant funds, each state anticipates having to pony up about $12.5 million each toward the bridge project. If the funds are received, the new bridge construction could begin in 2014 and be completed by 2017. The bridge has been closed since it was struck by a tanker on April 1.

Louisiana school district seeks energy conservation services 

Scott Devillier

A Louisiana school district is planning to seek proposals for energy conservation services. The Zachary Community School Board said it will advertise for proposals from private sector firms that would be interested in providing energy conservation services throughout the district. A proposal was recently received by the board from a private firm. The proposal provides for the training of a school system employee to become an energy management specialist for the schools. That person would be responsible for teaching those at the school about how to save energy and how to instill a culture of energy conservation. The company promised the school district a savings of $2.8 million over a 10-year period. Although a contract for these types of services does not have to follow bid procedures, the law does require that proposals must be sought before a contractor is chosen. The school district then would be required to hire a third-party energy consultant to evaluate any proposals that come in. School Superintendent Scott Devillier said the proposal would not require the school district to buy any new equipment that would be needed to help save energy costs. He called it "behavior modification training."

 

Pennsylvania counties to benefit from $91M for water infrastructure

Twenty Pennsylvania counties will share $91 million in state funds recently announced for water infrastructure projects. The money will fund more than 20 drinking water and wastewater projects through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. The funding includes $84 million in low-interest loans and $7 million in grants. The funding includes a combination of voter-approved state funds, federal grants to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) from the Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Among the awards was a $4.96 million loan to the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority to install about a mile of new water distribution lines to serve several locations in the city that currently experience service interruptions and where there is insufficient water flow for firefighting purposes. Cresson Township Municipal Authority received a $1.335 million loan to construct a new drinking water storage tank and pump station, along with new water distribution lines, to eliminate pressure problems in the system and significantly reduce water losses. Clearfield Municipal Authority received a $10,994,600 loan to construct three finished water storage tanks, replace a pump station and replace a leaking 100-year-old water main. Tyrone Township received a $1,551,449 loan to construct about a mile of sanitary sewers, laterals and force mains as well as make improvements to its existing wastewater treatment facility. Johnstown City received a $10,900,000 loan to construct more than seven miles of sanitary sewers, along with some storm sewers. Zerbe Township received a $2,934,659 loan and a $1,158,311 grant to construct a new 500,000-gallons-per-day wastewater treatment plant. 

 

Orlando leaders seeking to build new $172 million parking garage 

Phil Brown

Although the current parking spots at the Orlando International Airport are never sold out, airport officials are confident that passenger numbers are growing and will continue to grow. That, they say, is reason to build a new $172 million parking garage. They also say that the additional parking will help improve rental car operations and serve a proposed train that would link the airport to South Florida. Although the parking garage itself carries a price tag of $172 million, the total cost of the project - which would include the garage, a tram and related road and utilities - would cost $470 million. Plans are for a 3,500-space structure. Officials say the garage could be paid for by extending fees paid by airline passengers and others, including a $2.50 surcharge on every car rented at Orlando International. Airport Director Phil Brown said the expansion is needed because of an expected improvement in local tourist attractions that could add 10 million passengers at the airport within the next five years. Although no timetable has been decided, officials say construction could begin as soon as financing is ironed out. The airport currently has more than 17,000 parking spots.

 

Lawmakers in Florida approve funding to link 200 miles of bike trails

Lawmakers in Florida have approved $50 million that will be used to link the more than 200 miles of bike trails throughout Central Florida. There are currently nearly 75 miles of gaps among the more than a dozen trails from St. Petersburg to Titusville. The project, called the Coast to Coast Connector, will when completed be the longest continuous bike path in the state. Part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System plan, the project is aimed at eventually building a network of walking and biking trails throughout Florida. The funding is being made available through the state's transportation trust fund and would be allocated over five years at a rate of $10 million per year. Proponents of the project say it will boost economic development.

 

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Florida P3 bill clears House, addresses local government unsolicited proposals

Rep. Greg Steube

The Florida House recently passed a bill that would allow private sector businesses to make unsolicited proposals to local governments. If it passes the Senate and is signed into law, the bill could open the door for public-private partnerships (P3s) with local governments. 

Additionally, the bill would allow for P3s with nonprofits for public service works, create a task force to student and recommend rules for statewide P3s, allow acceptance by local governments within 120 days of unsolicited bills offered by private firms and allow for county road construction to be completed under the terms of a P3. 

Responding to some detractors, bill sponsor Rep. Greg Steube said safeguards are written into the bill that not only would ensure that local governments retain ownerships of any P3 projects, but municipalities do not even have to respond to unsolicited proposals they might receive. 

Pennsylvania approves guidelines for solicited, unsolicited proposals

Although Pennsylvania passed a public-private partnership law in 2012, only recently did the state approve guidelines for solicited and unsolicited proposals. The 2012 law allows the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and other public transportation entities to partner with private sector firms for the finance, delivery, operation and maintenance of transportation-related projects.  

The law also created an independent Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board. That board will hear the proposals of private investors and review and approve projects. Private entities with proposals are being encouraged to meet with PennDOT's P3 office to discuss their proposals before they are submitted. Unsolicited proposals will be accepted by the Pennsylvania P3 office and the P3 Transportation Board only from May 1-31 and October 1-31 of this year.

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 Terry Worrell. 

Terry Worrell

Terry Worrell earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her master's at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Ph.D. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She began her public education career as a classroom teacher in a junior high school. She then taught in middle school and later was named a principal. Worrell was the principal of Page High from 2000-03 and 2004-07. She also spent five years each as principal of Mendenhall Middle and Bluford Elementary. Before her administrative experience, Worrell served as a substance abuse lead teacher. Worrell spent 20 years in the Rockingham Public Schools. She eventually reached the role of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Rockingham Public Schools. In 2009, she was named one of five regional superintendents for Guilford County Schools and was named to lead the Central Region. Guilford County Schools announced today that Terry Worrell, one of the district's regional superintendents, will retire at the end of the school year. Worrell recently announced she would leave that post after having accepted a leadership position with North Carolina New Schools, a public-private partnership that helps fund innovative middle and high schools in the state. North Carolina New Schools was launched in 2003 by the Office of the Governor and the North Carolina Education Cabinet with initial support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since then, North Carolina New Schools has joined with partners in business, education and government at every level to develop and support innovative schools that share a fundamental goal: Engage all students with powerful approaches to teaching and learning and graduate all students ready for college, careers and life.

 

Dr. John M. Anderson (top left), former president of Alfred State College in New York, is the new president of Millersville University of Pennsylvania, succeeding Dr. Francine G. McNairy, who will retire next month after serving as Millersville's president for nearly a decade. Prince George's County (Maryland) Interim School Superintendent Alvin L. Crawley (top center) has announced he will leave the school system on June 3, almost a month before his contract ends, after taking over Maryland's second-largest school system when William R. Hite resigned from the post in September. Carol R. Johnson (top right), who has served as Boston Public Schools superintendent since 2007 and is a former superintendent in Memphis, Tennessee, and St. Louis Park, Minnesota, will step down from her Boston post at the end of the school year. John F. Connet, former city manager of the city of Clinton, a city south of Raleigh, for the last 11 years, has been chosen as the new city manager in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Portland Community College has hired Jeremy Brown, former president of Dowling College on Long Island and Edinboro University in Pennsylvania, as its new president, succeeding Preston Pulliams, who is retiring. Gary Jones, who has been Sardis police chief for the last two years, has been chosen to serve as police chief of the city of Harlem, Georgia. Kathy Bruck (middle right), executive director for curriculum and instruction at Harlandale ISD in San Antonio, will be the interim chief executive officer for San Antonio's Pre-K 4 SA program, a citywide pre-kindergarten initiative funded by a sales tax approved by voters in November. Former Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll (middle center), who resigned her post, has been hired as a senior adviser for Global Digital Solutions and is expected to become president and company chief operating officer once a planned merger with Airtronic USA Inc. has been completed. Andrew J. Swanson (middle left), former manager of Nut Tree Airport in Solano County, has been hired to be manager of the Palo Alto Aiport, which has been managed by Santa Clara County since 1967. Brian Alligood, who worked as a county manager in Granville County, has been selected as the new city manager for the city of Washington, North Carolina, and will begin work this summer. Lt. Mark Hathaway, who headed up the city of Bangor's bomb squad and has been a member of the department for 25 years, will become Bangor's 29th police chief. Dave Christy, dean of Cal Poly's Orfalea College of Business since 2004, will leave the university in midsummer to become provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Baruch College in New York City. Marie Cini (bottom left), acting provost and chief academic officer at the University of Maryland University College since June, has been named full-time provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the Adelphi school. Northern Illinois University has named Douglas Baker (bottom center), current provost and executive vice president of the University of Idaho, as its new president, replacing John Peters, who announced in October that he planned to retire at the end of June after 13 years as president. Macon, Georgia, Police Chief Mike Burns (bottom right), who has more than 38 years' experience with the department and nearly eight as chief, has announced his retirement, with Deputy Police Chief Mike Carswell to serve as interim chief. Clarendon (Texas) College President Phil Shirley has announced that he will step down at the end of 2013, wrapping up a 40-year career in higher education, 34 of which were in administration. Thomas Bongiovi, assistant superintendent for instruction of the Port Jervis (New York) School District, has been named the new superintendent of schools, replacing John Xanthis, who is retiring on Aug. 31 after 13 years with the district. Michael Simons, who has worked for the Pittsburg, Kansas, Fire Department for more than 10 years, most recently as fire marshal, has been named the department's new fire chief.