America will remain a global power as long as its citizens are educated, tech savvy, innovative, entrepreneurial and creative. Those qualities are required today because the world is truly "flat."  

Commerce can originate anywhere in the world and serve the masses. And, because commerce is what drives job creation, revenue generation and economic prosperity, Americans want the new commerce to originate here. 

Government at every jurisdictional level has recognized the importance of encouraging entrepreneurs. There is a growing effort to encourage and incentivize startups but more support would be a good thing. Almost every major city in America has recognized the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and startup companies. Savvy business leaders are also aggressively supporting and assisting startups, especially technology startups. Sometimes industry and government work together, but not always.  

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Highway, bridge, rail upgrades to create jobs, boost commerce, mitigate traffic

With the I-84 corridor in Waterbury, Connecticut, as a backdrop, federal, state and local government officials recently touted highway, bridge and rail projects in the state that will result from the Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) 2024-2018 Transportation Capital Infrastructure Program. The I-84 corridor is one of the projects that will result from the program.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy called the five-year plan "ambitious," and one that would address infrastructure needs well into the future, stimulating the economy, increasing commerce and mitigating traffic congestion for daily commuters while creating jobs. Malloy's transportation budget for 2015 reflects a 165 percent increase in funding over 2010 levels, with $1.4 billion. The budget also ensures that State Transportation Fund money can only be used for transportation projects.

DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker (top) said that in addition to highway and bridge improvements, the capital plan calls for millions more in investments in the New Haven commuter rail line and the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail corridor.

The plan also expects to have $1.8 billion in the capital program funding this fiscal year for all modes of transportation. Included are $345 million for bus and rail and $1.4 billion for highway and bridge infrastructure. Among the projects are replacement of the I-84 Hartford viaduct, a bridge replacement on I-95 in New Haven, replacement of the Moses Wheeler Bridge on I-95 in Stratford, rehabilitation of the Putnam Bridge in Glastonbury and the Merritt Parkway in Stamford and operational improvements on I-95 in Norwalk.

Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary (bottom) said the project will reduce traffic congestion and make access to and from the city much easier. "As the city continues attracting new manufacturing businesses, efficient transportation will be vital," said O'Leary.

State officials say this investment in the state's infrastructure will create a positive flow of goods and services while creating jobs. 

State looking at spending $27 million to ensure secure taxpayer information

Hacking of the state's tax collecting agency in 2012 has led the state of South Carolina to consider spending $27 million next fiscal year on cybersecurity. Included in that spending is adding another year of credit protection for those whose personal information was put at risk in the 2012 event.

That incident resulted in the theft of unencrypted data of 6.4 million residents and businesses from the state's Department of Revenue, the largest hacking of a state agency in the country, leading state officials to suggest cybersecurity standards across all state government.

Gov. Nikki Haley (pictured) said there is no reason for any state agency not to have IT protection. "To not have learned the lesson from the Department of Revenue would be a huge mistake," she said. Because each agency is responsible for its own security infrastructure, officials say there is duplication of effort that can be costly. The state has set aside $11 million this fiscal year for the Budget and Control Board for agencies to begin implementing cybersecurity recommendations made by a consulting firm.

The Board wants to spend $20.7 million next fiscal year for the second round of consulting recommendations, including $5.7 million for the 21-employee information security division and $6.1 million to expand and maintain the division's services. It is also seeking $8.7 million for computer upgrades and more data protection capabilities. 

A new public safety building that is twice the size of the current security facility is being planned for Frostburg State University in Maryland. Officials said that funding will be received in Fiscal Year 2015 for planning and design of the building. The current 2,500-square-foot campus police station will be replaced by a new 5,500-square-foot building that will be located near the sports fields. FSU President Jonathan Gibralter (pictured) said the planning and design phase could begin in July and that it has already been approved by the Maryland Department of Budget Management and Maryland's House and Senate. Officials want the facility to be more visible so visitors to the campus, including students and their parents, will know that the university stresses safety. If the funding remains in the state budget, construction could begin in Fiscal Year 2016. The Maryland State Police will provide input on the building so that it will meet current law enforcement professionalism standards.

University of Alabama to renovate, expand admissions building

In addition to approving a $60 million arts center by the University of Alabama on the Bryce Hospital grounds, the university also has approved the renovation and expansion of the university's admissions building. That facility is east of the main hospital. The project, which carries a $20 million price tag, would provide for renovation of about half of the more than 123,000-square-foot building and adding another 26,000 square feet to the facility. This project is in addition to the state-of-the-art performing arts center for the Department of Theater and Dance. That facility will have a 350-seat drama theater, a 450-seat dance theater, a 250-seat studio theater and support spaces. The center is part of the university's plans for the hospital grounds that also includes academic and recreational facilities as well as residential buildings.

South Carolina plans pilot program for using alternative fuel school buses

In South Carolina, lawmakers have approved a state budget proposal that would result in public school districts being provided new buses that run on alternative fuels. But, the school districts will have to have a stake in the costs. The buses cost about $10,000 more than regular buses that run on gasoline. A pilot program would serve up to three districts. Lawmakers have agreed to a Senate compromise bill, according to Sen. Wes Hayes (pictured), that requires districts to pay the difference in the bus cost, pay for training of state-paid mechanics who will be working on the buses and maintain a local fuel source. The plan provides that 5-10 percent of what is in the state budget for new buses is designated for ones that use alternative fuels such as natural gas or propane. The education agency for the state buys, owns and maintains the school bus fleet of 5,500 buses. The fleet is among the oldest in the country with more than a quarter of them between 21-26 years old. 

Iowa city could be looking at replacing wastewater treatment plant

The city of Nora Springs, Iowa, has been advised by the state's Department of Natural Resources that it needs to be looking at replacing its wastewater treatment plant in the not-too-distant future. The DNR recently toured the plant, with the inspection leading to the recommendation. The current plant was built in 1959. Improvements totaling $2.5 million were made in 1999-2000 and other improvements have been made since then. The DNR did not offer a time deadline for replacing the plant, but has recommended the city continue to mitigate water getting into sewer lines and has also recommended hiring an engineer to evaluate the facility's treatment program. No estimates were given as to how much the replacement plant would cost.

Arkansas highways to begin $1.8 billion program of improvements statewide

A nearly $2 billion road improvement and widening program - the Connecting Arkansas Program - recently got under way in Arkansas. An event hosted by the Arkansas transportation department announced the program, funded by a half-cent sales tax approved in 2012 by state voters and that will expire in 2023. Scott Bennett (pictured), director of the state Highway and Transportation Department called it a "great day for Arkansas." Bennett said the program will not only connect different areas of the state with four-lane highways, but will also provide and sustain about 40,000 jobs throughout the state. Bennett also announced at the event that the portions of Interstate 540 and Highway 71 in western Arkansas have been approved by the federal government to be labeled as Interstate 49. Bennett said officials have been working on attaining that designation for several months. The new $2 billion program will begin with 31 projects, the first being a six-mile portion of the new Bella Vista Bypass in northwestern Arkansas. The bypass will be completed in phases and will result in construction of two lanes of what will be a nearly 20-mile, four lane interstate. The remainder of the projects will also feature widening and improvements to highways across the state. 

St. Louis feasibility study supports MetroLink station for Midtown

A recent feasibility study addressed the possible construction of a new MetroLink station in Midtown in St. Louis, Missouri. The station project would create a sustainable, walkable, 24/7 community and a center for job creation. Carrying a price tag of about $9 million, the project would also require $835,000 annually for its operation.  The project calls for a new station in the Cortex development near the intersection of Boyle Avenue and Sarah Street and would be the first addition since 2006. It is expected that a new Cortex station could handle about 900 passengers a day. with weekday ridership expected to increase to 1,400 to 1,900 by 2035. The $9.2 million costs include $6.2 million for the station and track alignment, $600,000 for a bike/trail station and $2.6 million for additional amenities. Before the project can start, funding must be identified and a report sent to the Federal Transportation Administration. Approval from the East West Gateway and environmental agencies is also required. 

Massachusetts approves $40 million for cities, towns to repair potholes

The long, wet winter in Massachusetts has made the state a pothole capital. To deal with the problem, the state has approved an allocation of $40 million for pothole repairs by cities and towns. In addition to pothole repair, the funds will also be used to repair street cracking and guardrail and sign damages. These government entities also will be able to use some of the funding for repairs to municipal vehicles, garages and fueling stations. Officials say a formula will be used to allocate the funding, with $30 million based on a formula that governs state aid to cities and towns for road projects. The remaining $10 million will be used on state roads. The one-time program's projects, according to Gov. Deval Patrick (pictured), must be completed by September. The funding for the program will come from surpluses that were not anticipated. They are a result of the delay in the passage of the Transportation Bond Bill. 

Palo Alto hoping new garages can also be source of solar power for city

About those parking garages being considered in Palo Alto... City officials are looking for them not only to meet the city's parking needs, but also to generate electricity. The city is hopeful that a solar energy company will be interested in putting solar panels on the garages and then sell the energy that they generate to the city's Utilities Department. More than 130 companies received a request for proposals last month to see if there is interest in participating in the city's Palo Alto Clean Local Energy Accessible Now (CLEAN) program. The program would allow solar panel firms to sell energy to the city at a fixed rate over 20 years. It's part of the city's effort to keep its electric portfolio carbon neutral by using mostly energy created from hydroelectric, wind, landfill and solar sources. The city is looking into sites owned by the city that would be good for solar installations. Parking garages were deemed to be the best possibility. Energy providers would install and maintain the systems at their own expense and sell electricity to the city over a 20-year agreement. 

Check out these recent awards: 

• Northern Alaska Contractors won a $2 million contract from the city of Unalaska, Alaska, for construction of a new 24-foot-wide bridge at the Summer Bay Recreational Area to replace the current 18-foot-wide existing wooden bridge.

• Titan Roofing, Inc. won a $547,000 contract from the city of New York to do work on the Cayuga County Auburn Correctional Facility, including roofing the facility with an adhered ethylene propylene diene monomer roofing system on one of its buildings.

• Bouten Construction Co. was awarded a $43.7 million contract from the Port of Pasco, Washington, commissioners for a remodeling project of the Tri-Cities Airport terminal aimed at doubling the terminal's size.

• Michael Baker Jr. Inc. engineering firm won a $4.2 million contract from Amtrak for construction management and inspection services as part of the state's passenger rail improvement projects in and around the Capital Region. The firm will oversee the construction of a second track between Albany and Schenectady, platform extensions and a fourth track at the Albany-Rensselaer CDTA train station and signal and crossing improvements on the Empire Corridor between Rensselaer and Poughkeepsie.

• D.H. Porter Enterprises won a contract worth up to $1.7 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical services.

• Quality Excavation LTD was awarded a $1 million contract by the Allen (Texas) City Council for the Bray Central Drive widening project, leading to widening in phases of the two-lane roadway between Exchange Parkway and Hopewell Drive.

• Mathy Construction won a $1.07 million contract from Black Hawk County (Iowa) for a paving contract to resurface five miles of road, including putting an asphalt surface on Wagner Road from West Cedar-Wapsi Road north to Marquis Road at the Bremer County line and resurfacing West Cedar-Wapsi Road between Raymond and Canfield roads.

• Ferguson Electric Construction and Quality Inspection Services won contracst worth more than $20 million from the New York Power Authority for the Niagara hydroelectric project. Ferguson Electric won a $19 million, seven-year contract to install auxiliary equipment as part of an ongoing upgrade of Lewiston Pump-Generating Plant and Quality Inspection Services was awarded a $1.25 million, five-year contract for on-call testing and inspection services at the Niagara project.

• Buquet LeBlanc Inc. won a $5.25 million construction contract to add a ninth-grade academy to Central High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

• Ed A. Wilson won a $1,147,603.37 contract from Kaufman County, Texas, to build a regional dispatch center within the Armory building on S Houston Street.

NCDOT awards first P3 contract for I-77 project near Charlotte

The first "taker" in North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) efforts toward a public-private partnership (P3) to improve traffic flow on a portion of I-77 near Charlotte has been announced. Cintra Infraestructure, S.A. had the successful bid and will construct the project as part of a consortium that includes F.A. Southeast, W.C. English and design firm The Louis Berger Group. The state is using the P3 method for the project in hopes of using private-sector capital to lessen the burden on the state and to help see projects completed quicker.

Cintra officials estimate the cost of the project along a 26-mile stretch of the Interstate to be $655 million. Cintra will provide the up-front money needed to finance the project in exchange for toll revenue that will be realized from the managed lanes project. NCDOT's financial portion of the project will be $88 million. With the agreement expected to be signed in June, construction could start in December. A 2018 completion date is planned.

NCDOT Chief Engineer Mike Holder (pictured) said P3s and other innovative financing options "are vital to keep up with growth and infrastructure needed to strengthen the economy despite declining transportation revenue from traditional sources." The project will convert current high-occupancy-vehicle lanes to managed lanes and adding capacity to the roadway. Motorists will have the option of paying a toll if they choose to avoid high-traffic areas of the road.

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 Randy Avent. 

Palo Alto Assistant City Manager Pamela Antil (top left), who has served in that capacity since 2010 and prior to that was assistant city manager in Novi and Ann Arbor, Michigan, will leave her job this month to take a similar job in San Jose. Willis Mackey (top center), superintendent of the Judson Independent School District in San Antonio has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2014-15 school year, closing out an education career of 30 years including being superintendent in the Port Arthur ISD and assistant superintendent in Beaumont ISD. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson (top right) was recently sworn in as the new leader of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, replacing Scott Smith of Mesa, Arizona, who resigned to run for governor of that state. Chris Ragsdale, the Cobb County (Georgia) school district's deputy superintendent of operational support, has been named sole finalist for interim superintendent, to replace Superintendent Michael Hinojosa, who is resigning May 31 to move back to Dallas. Prince George's County (Maryland) County Executive Rushern L. Baker III has announced he will leave the public sector to return to the private sector in April to return to his private federal contracting company he has owned for 20 years. Kathleen Meagher, Palo Alto's director of elementary education since 2010 and former Duveneck Elementary principal, is leaving Palo Alto to take a job as director of secondary education for the Arlington Public Schools outside Washington, D.C. Officials in New Port Richey, Florida, have taken nearly a year to name Debbie L. Manns (bottom right), assistant city manager in Clayton, Ohio, since 2006 with 25 years of government experience as city manager, city administrator, housing rehabilitation administrator, economic development technician and community development director as the new city manager. Spaceport America Director Rick Homans (bottom center) recently announced his resignation, saying he'd been ordered to do so by the Gov. Susana Martinez administration after serving as chair of the spaceport board from 2005 to 2007 and serving briefly as executive director in 2007. Lindsay Bierman (bottom left), an architect and editor in chief of Southern Living magazine, has been elected chancellor for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, beginning Aug. 1 and succeeding James Moeser, who has served as interim chancellor since John Mauceri left that post last June. Donald (Guy) Generals Jr., vice president for academic affairs at Mercer County Community College in New Jersey, has been named president of the Community College of Philadelphia, effective July 1. Russell Pickett, superintendent of the Tenino School District in Tenino, Washington, has been chosen as the next superintendent of the Monroe School District, where the current superintendent is retiring. The Austin (Texas) Independent School District board has chosen the district's Chief Schools Officer Paul Cruz as the interim superintendent, to replace Superintendent Meria Carstarphen, who has accepted the superintendent job in the Atlanta (Georgia) Public Schools.