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O'Malley says state prepared to invest $400 million in $2.15 billion project

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley this week proposed the state's first public-private partnership (P3) for a transit line. O'Malley announced that the state will invest $400 million in such a line between Montgomery and Prince George's counties, but will seek a private partner to build and operate its Purple Line. The 16-mile light rail line is expected to cost approximately $2.15 billion.

With 21 stations between Bethesda and New Carrollton, the line would connect riders with Metro's Red, Green and Orange lines.

The state is seeking a private partner to design, build, operate and maintain the proposed line. The company would recoup its investment with annual payments from the state through a 30-40-year contract period. And, the state would be protected because standards such as on-time performance, cleanliness and customer service would have to be met by the private partner.

This week's announcement is one of several recent projects resulting from passage of a major transportation funding bill this year. State officials are planning on $900 million of the project's construction costs to be paid by the federal government, although local government and private interests are also expected to help shoulder some of the costs. Officials anticipate that if all goes as planned, construction on the project could start as early as 2015.

Officials say using a public-private partnership allows more choices regarding financing of projects, particularly since governments are facing budget and revenue shortfalls. Although this is the state's first transit P3, Maryland did previously turn to the private sector for investments to expand the Port of Baltimore and redevelop a pair of travel plazas on I-95.

$82.9 million, 1,100-vehicle parking garage will be part of $2.4 billion project

Four teams made up of contractors, financiers and other partner firms have been named to the short list of private-sector firms that will seek to win a contract for a $2.4 billion project to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the La Guardia Airport Central Terminal Building. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced that these teams were chosen from 16 that responded to an October request for qualifications.

The four teams making the short list include:

• Aerostar New York Holdings LLC, New York, which includes Fentress Architects and a joint venture of Hunt and VRH;
• LaGuardia Gateway Partners, Queens, N.Y., which includes Skanska USA Building Inc., Skanska USA Civil Northeast Inc., Tishman Construction Corp. of New York, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum PC and Vantage Airport Group Ltd.;
• LGAlliance, New York, which includes Lend Lease (US) Construction LMB Inc., Turner Construction Co., Gensler Architecture, Design & Planning P.C., Macquarie Capital Group Ltd. and Hochtief AirPort GmbH; and
• LGA Central Terminal Consortium, which includes STV Inc., Ove Arup & Partners PC and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC.

Although a start date has not yet been set for the Central Terminal Building project, part of the project is expected to be completed by 2017, with full completion in 2019. The entire project completion is expected by 2021. That includes not only the construction of the new terminal, but the razing of the existing terminal and its concourses, garage, Hangar 1 and frontage roads. It also includes building temporary facilities, constructing a central heating and refrigeration plant, utilities for the new facility, hydrant fueling at the project site limits and operating, maintaining and managing the existing terminal and temporary facilities during construction. The project also calls for an $82.9-million, 1,100-car parking garage east of the terminal.

A total of $1.2 billion has been pledged by the Port Authority toward upgrades to build infrastructure for the new terminal, which - at 1.3 million square feet - will be about 40 percent larger than the existing facility.

New York schools planning $2.3 million in stadium renovations

A $2.3 million renovation of the Waverly Central School District's War Memorial Stadium is on track to begin earlier than anticipated. The renovations previously were announced for 2015, but could be moved up to next year. The project will next be put out for bids. Among the renovations planned are construction of new stairs, repair and reinforcement of the bleachers, projects to ensure Americans with Disabilities Act standards, replacement of the grass field with either new grass or turf. Short-term improvements to improve safety at the stadium to keep it open this season are also under consideration. Those projects could include lighting upgrades, fencing and efforts to make the bleachers less slippery.

Arizona school district bond would pay for technology, transportation

Voters in the Dysart Unified School District in Maricopa County, Arizona, will decide an $86.8 million bond issue in November that would lead to new technology purchases, security and safety improvements and facility maintenance projects. All of the projects that would be paid for by the bond proceeds are much-needed, according to Superintendent Dr. Gail Pletnick (pictured). "Dysart has learned to do more with less, but as critical resources completely disappear, it is not possible to do more with nothing," she said. If the bonds are approved, $27.3 million will be used for new technology and instructional equipment. Another $26.8 million will go toward facility maintenance projects. Renovations and security and safety improvements will be allocated $6.1 million, while transportation needs will get $6.6 million. Construction of new schools and land purchases will total $20 million. The school would get a completely new bus fleet if the bond issue passes.

Power authority, university plan project to lead to enhancements

A shared campus initiative should begin this summer as the New York Power Authority (NYPA) is contracting for a $5.5 million project to develop a plan to link the Niagara Hydroelectric Power Plant with neighboring Niagara University. The company chosen for the contract will, over the next two years, create a plan to upgrade and enhance roadways, facilities and parking lots between the plant and the university. Among the projects planned are improved lighting, grading and drainage on the roads and construction of a one-mile bike and hike path to connect NYPA's Power Vista Visitors Center with Reservoir State Park. Three security cameras will be added in the shared parking lots and the entrance to the university will be enhanced. The university and the power authority have worked closely together for more than 50 years. In 2007, NYPA established a $9.5 million capital fund to be used at the university's discretion that established a landscaping development fund worth $1 million. Additionally, some 24 acres of vacant land were transferred to the university.

County approves $30M bond issue for W. Virginia State housing

Thanks to approval by the Kanawha County (West Virginia) commissioners, a $30 million bond issue for construction of new student housing at West Virginia State University will go before voters. The bond issue would pay for construction of the new dorm and will be repaid through rental fees that students will pay. University officials say adequate and updated housing is needed to replace aging facilities. "We believe that it's absolutely essential we have a facility to accommodate the students of today," said Melvin Jones (pictured), vice president business and finance for the university. Proceeds from a successful bond issue would direct the bond funds to the West Virginia State University Foundation, which will lease the land on which the building will be constructed and build the dorm. Two aging dorms will be razed as part of the process. This will be the first new dorm built on the campus since 1969. Although the bond will be issued by the county, the university and the bond purchasers will be liable for the funds. The new facility will have nearly 300 beds with suite-style construction.

University of Wisconsin-Baraboo looking for partner for dorm

The University of Wisconsin-Baraboo has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive development agreement with a private partner that will plan, design, finance, build and manage a student residence life facility. It marks the second time the university has sought such an agreement for what would be its first residence hall. During the previous solicitation, officials received only one response to their RFP and that response was rejected. Officials note that no tax dollars will be spent on the project since a private partner would finance the project. On-campus housing has not been available since the campus opened in 1968. Officials say that not only will the housing facility allow for enhanced summer programming through the Continuing Education Department, but will also allow the university to offer overnight conferences on campus.

California city seeks architect to design second phase of park

An architectural firm is being sought by the city of West Hollywood, California, to design the second phase of the West Hollywood Park project. The city recently issued a request for proposals for a firm to offer design of park amenities, landscaping, a recreation center with two rooftop swimming pools and a new office. The recreation center is the major piece of the project. It will be approximately 70,000 square feet and have parking, a gym, a competition and recreation swimming pool, locker rooms, office meeting space and a facility for children. A building of about 6,000 square feet will include office and meeting space that connects the parks and recreation building with the recreation center. It will also include a 170,000-square-foot park green space improvement and expansion. The first phase of the project was completed two years ago and included a new library, two parking structures, a park area, basketball courts and a special events area. Proposals are due Aug. 28.

Las Cruces voters approve bonds for two of four proposals

Two of four bond issues garnered the support of Las Cruces voters in a recent referendum. While an issue to upgrade the county fairgrounds was rejected, voters also said no to a proposed tax increase that would have paid for three public safety projects. However, voters did give their approval for $6 million in bonding authority to build a new 911 call center. Voters also passed an $800,000 general obligation bond to complete construction of a facility to house pets confiscated in abuse or hoarding incidences. Neither will raise property taxes.

Syracuse airport gets $4.5 million grant for construction projects

A $4.5 million federal grant is headed to the Hancock International Airport in Syracuse to fund construction of a new taxiway and a place for planes to park overnight. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner (pictured) said the benefits of the project are twofold - it will enhance the regular operations of the airport and also allow the airport to continue to serve as an emergency destination. Because of its location, the airport is often used for flights diverted for emergency reasons. The grant is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and is also expected to help keep flights in and out of the airport on time.

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Unsolicited proposal leads to multi-billion Colorado highway project plan

Officials in Colorado recently laid out an example of an unsolicited proposal that is resulting in a public-private partnership. Parsons Corp. engineering firm recently submitted an unsolicited proposal to the Colorado Department of Transportation for a $3.5 billion project that is aimed at lessening traffic congestion on I-70 through the central mountains.

The project, which would be completed in phases, would include tolled express lanes and a bus rapid transit system that might be completed as early as 2021. The project is a result of an unsolicited proposal from Parsons in 2011. The company's proposal was to install reversible express lanes to accommodate traffic in peak traffic hours to and from the mountains. Another part of the proposal was straightening some curves on the interstate and resurfacing some lanes.

Although an expensive project at $3.5 billion, officials anticipate gross revenues over 50 years of $8.6 billion, with a surplus cash flow of more than $500 million after taking out costs and debt service.

Public-private partnership to help construct new auditorium

Officials at the University of Tennessee have announced a public-private partnership that will result in the construction of a new auditorium (as seen in the accompanying artist's rendering) that could be used for education purposes at the UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge.

Participating in the public-private partnership are UT AgResearch (part of the UT Institute of Agriculture), the UT Institute for Public Service and private-sector partner, the Rogers Group.

Funding comes through a land trade with the Rogers Group for property adjacent to the arboretum in exchange for property in Sweetwater, Tennessee. The property trade, however, will only partially fund the project and other funding will be sought.

The facility is also expected to be used for educational programs through the UT Institute for Public Service. The arboretum is expected to be used for education programming opportunities for the community, for training and social events.

 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 Margarita Lopez.

Born in Puerto Rico, Margarita Lopez (pictured) moved to New York City in 1978, living on Manhattan's Lower East Side. She soon became an activist for affordable housing in the city. Her efforts resulted in construction and restoration of hundreds of units of affordable housing as well as numerous support services for residents of the area. Lopez was elected to the New York City Council representing the 2nd Councilman District in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where she served two terms.  She served as the first chair of the newly expanded Council's Committee on Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Disabilities ("Mental Health Committee").  She also served as a member of the Council's Finance, Contracts, Environmental and Higher Education Committees. She spent a dozen years serving on the city's Mental Health Committee, offering services for the homeless and individuals with mental illness in New York City. She served on the MacArthur Foundation's Advisory Committee on Mental Illness and the Law and has lectured and participated in training on issues related to multi-culturalism and team building in Los Angeles, Seattle, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. Lopez was appointed as a member of the board of the New York City Housing Authority in 2006. A little over a year later, she was appointed to be the Housing Authority's Environmental Coordinator,

Gregory Fenves (top left), dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, has been chosen as the university's new provost, effective Oct. 1, replacing Steve Leslie, who has been selected to serve as special assistant to UT President Bill Powers. Tony Bennett (top center), Florida's education commissioner, has resigned amid allegations that he changed the grade of a charter school that was run by a former donor of his when he was chief of the Indiana schools. Pam Stewart (top right), chancellor of Florida public schools who began her education career as a teacher in Hillsborough County and has been principal in Ocala and deputy superintendent in St. Johns County, has been chosen to serve as interim education commissioner. Roy Herrera, a longtime teacher and administrator in New Mexico public schools, has been named superintendent of the Santa Fe Indian School, a seventh- through 12th-grade school owned and operated by the 19 pueblos of New Mexico. Pueblo, Colorado, Fire Chief Christopher Riley, whose fire service career began in 1981 and includes being Chief Officer since 1996, has been tapped as the next fire chief in Colorado Springs. Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan, has chosen John S. Satkowski, a 36-year veteran in upper management positions in the private sector and higher education, as vice president of Financial Services. Travis County (Texas) District Clerk Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza (middle right), first elected in 1990, has announced she will retire next year as her sixth term ends. Barbara Vacarr (middle center), president of Goddard College, has announced that she will step down from her position at the end of the year to focus on members of her family who have health problems. University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly (middle left) has announced his resignation on Tuesday, after holding that position since 2004, and will leave in January 2014 to work as a part-time advisor for the American Council on Education and to return to teaching. Former Onslow County, North Carolina, Schools Superintendent Ron Singletary, who retired in 2006, has been selected as interim superintendent to replace Kathy Spencer, who has announced her retirement. Phoenix City Manager David Cavazos has announced that he is leaving Phoenix to become the next city manager in Santa Ana, a community in Orange County. Albuquerque Police Department Deputy Chief Allen Banks, a 21-year veteran of service with the APD, most recently as deputy chief of field services, has been tagged as the city's new interim chief of police. France A. Cordova (bottom left), former president of Purdue University, has been selected by President Barack Obama to serve as the new director of the National Science Foundation, replacing Subra Suresh, who left to become president of Carnegie Mellon University. Fred Van Leuven (bottom center), former Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District superintendent, has been named as the new executive director of the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, succeeding former Association of California School Administrators President David Brown. Thomasville (North Carolina) City Schools have picked Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin (bottom right), state director of K-12 curriculum and instruction at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, as the new leader of the school system, succeeding Keith Tobin, who retired. Dr. Frank Baker has been named the interim superintendent for the Sumter (North Carolina) School District, replacing Randolph Bynum, who is resigning after serving two years as the consolidated district's inaugural superintendent. Craig Zins, a former city and government manager from the Cincinnati area, has been chosen to take the position of city manager in Ithaca, Michigan, effective Aug. 12. Canton, Michigan, Police Lt. Scott Hilden, a 21-year veteran of the Canton Police Department, has been promoted to deputy police chief.