Volume 10, Issue 39- Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Mary Scott Nabers, President/CEO, Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
With midterm elections only a month away, the media is talking non-stop about who will win, what party will prevail and how voters feel about volatile issues. Most commentators and reporters are focused on House and Senate races... but it is likely that gubernatorial campaigns will determine whether infrastructure reform moves forward.  

States like Georgia, Colorado and Florida have long been considered leaders in the use of alternative funding and collaborative initiatives to address infrastructure reform. Voters in these and other states will be major players in determining the future of infrastructure reform.  

Six months after Trump's infrastructure plan was released, little has been accomplished. Because of the negative results of continuing to neglect infrastructure needs in America, this is an important campaign issue and voters should know where candidates stand.  

For some P3 states such as New York, where current Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) holds a 22-point lead over his opponent, nothing is likely to change. But, in states where races are tight, a candidate's position on infrastructure should be critically important to voters.  

In 2015, Georgia enacted legislation enabling public-private partnerships (P3s). That opened the door for all types of infrastructure projects that were funded with private-sector revenue. Now, the state is currently ranked as the #2 leader for infrastructure and global development. It received a B+ rating in aviation, a C- for bridges and a C- for roads on the American Society of Civil Engineer's (ASCE) infrastructure report card. If those ratings don't sound good, check out other state infrastructure ratings.

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New York- In Brooklyn, the state department of transportation gathered more public input on proposed repairs or replacements to a section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Department officials stated that if a 1.5-mile stretch of the highway in Brooklyn Heights is not repaired that rerouting for weight restrictions and eventual shutdown could be on the horizon in the next two decades. 

The project is expected to cost between $3 and $4 billion dollars depending on which of the two current proposals the city decides. One proposal will involve progressive lane-by-lane repairs and the other uses an elevated highway to fix the stretch all at once. The city intends to release a draft request for proposals seeking a joint design and construction team to undertake the project in late 2019.
Hawaii- The Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) is demanding that the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) submit a revised "recovery plan" by Nov. 20 that shows how it will complete the rail line from Kapolei to Ala Moana, which is the largest public works project in state history. HART agreed last week to incorporate a public-private partnership (P3) in its recovery plan. Construction and financing of the project is now expected to total about $9 billion and is projected to be finished in late 2025. 

HART needs a P3 to assist with development of the last 4 miles of the 20-mile segment of the Honolulu rail line and the planned Pearl Highlands Transit Center, which together are expected to cost about $1.4 billion to build. HART will solicit proposals from developers who will finance, design and build the new facilities as well as operate and maintain the entire rail system from Kapolei to Ala Moana for 30 years. In all, that work is expected to cost the city many billions of dollars over the life of the contract.
California- The city of Dublin will purchase a site in the eastern part of the city for a second high school. The school trustees board voted to acquire a 23.5-acre site, one significantly smaller than the acreage of the current high school. Due to the limited size of the site, the new high school will likely have a three-story classroom building in order to accommodate an eventual total of 2,500 students. 

The district already has issued a request for proposals for an architect. A gym will need to be built, but due to limited space the school may need to utilize other sports facilities. District officials target 2022 for construction and state that the district has already set aside $100 million for the project.
Georgia- The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) system expansion plan will include more light-rail expansion. A revised proposal now includes more rail as well as leaning on other sources of funding beyond public funds. The new plan aims to build a zigzag of light rail through the city from Greenbriar, along parts of the BeltLine, to the Emory/Centers for Disease Control area. 

The new plan also adds more rail in southeast Atlanta and on the west side and has the so-called "Clifton Corridor" line up to Emory. This is contingent on its supporters finding more money, which opens the door for a public-private partnership (P3), to see the project to fruition. Completion of the full 22-mile loop is slated to cost $11 billion, a number that is not even close to being covered by Atlanta's 40-year half-penny sales tax worth only $2.5 billion. The next official step is a vote by the MARTA board scheduled for Oct. 4.
Pennsylvania- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that 42 highway, bridge, transit, port and waterway, bike and pedestrian projects will receive $49 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. The city of McKeesport will receive more than $2.9 million for improvements to the existing Steel Valley Trail through the Regional Industrial Development Corporation Park along the Monongahela River, linking the river to the McKeesport Multimedia Center, and improvements to the city's municipal parking garage that offers trail parking. The Exeter Township will receive more than $2.9 million to design and construct pedestrian improvements on Perkiomen Avenue, including continuous sidewalk, pedestrian lighting, pedestrian buffer, trees and defined entrances and exits for business driveways. See the full list of projects here. 

Of the 42 grants that were awarded, 14 were for local bridges. On Oct. 5, PennDOT will begin accepting applications for the next round of funding for grants under the Multimodal Transportation Fund. PennDOT will evaluate the applications and make selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency and operational sustainability. Applications are due by Nov. 15, 2018. PennDOT expects to announce grant recipients next year for the funding that becomes available in July 2019. For more information about the program visit here.
Texas- The Wylie Independent School District has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for a construction manager-at-risk for its $190 million 2019 bond program. The bond will cover additions and renovations to Wylie East High School, 3000 Wylie East Drive; Wylie High School, 2550 West FM 544; five elementary campuses; and five intermediate and junior high schools. The selected construction manager-at-risk will assist the district with architect and construction of the projects.

Responses to the RFQ are to be submitted to the Wylie ISD to the attention of Purchasing Manager Stephanie Shaffer, Purchasing Department, 951 S Ballard Ave, Wylie, Texas 75098, no later than Oct. 09, 2018. Upon review and ranking of the RFQs, the district will then decide upon a shortlist of no more than five responders who will be issued a request for proposals that will be due Oct. 22.
New Jersey- The Scotch Plains council approved the issuance of a request for qualifications (RFQ)/proposals (RFP) for a downtown redevelopment plan in the New Jersey township. After months of work with planners and consultants, the Scotch Plains Downtown Redevelopment Committee presented a plan to revitalize the township downtown with a mix of commercial, residential and recreational use. 

The plan creates over 48,000 square feet of new retail and office space with added parking and 177 residential units, including 35 affordable units. The township maintains full control over public properties and will release an RFQ/RFP in the coming weeks.
Virginia- A joint meeting between the Albemarle Virginia Board of Supervisors and School Board resulted in a shared interest in alternative delivery methods for funding county projects. The Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) is an alternative procurement tool for projects that was originally enacted in 2002.Officials heard from county staff about the potential use of public-private-partnerships. 

These talks come on the heels of last year's budget process that saw the school board withdraw a $96 million bond referendum request that was reduced to only $47 million for school projects by the board of supervisors. Officials expressed interest in contemplating alternative delivery methods or models to realize the long-term goals of the county, such as developing a new high school center project in the United States 29-Rio Road area. School board members also want to review this alternative for solving high school capacity issues. County officials were asked to come back with more information and ways to move forward with establishing a PPEA process.
Missouri- Boone County is interested in providing long-term leasing for the Central Missouri Events Center, formerly the Boone County Fairgrounds, for a use of public benefit. Examples given by county officials of potential uses of this 189-acre property include a sports park, equestrian center or convention center. 

Boone County purchased the site for $2.4 million in 1999 and closed operations there in August 2014. A request for proposals is expected to be released next month and respondents will be given 90 days to respond.
Pennsylvania- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through Dec. 31. The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure. During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation and ports. Proposals also can include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs. The private sector also may submit applications for non-PennDOT owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. 

Transportation entities outside of the governor's jurisdiction, such as transit authorities, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state's P3 website. The state's P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining and financing transportation-related projects. The next unsolicited proposal period will occur in April 2019. To learn more about P3 in Pennsylvania, including active projects, visit here.
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Virginia- Hampton has received an unsolicited offer from a private developer to build a multi-million-dollar aquatics center. City officials have applauded the idea and see boosting sports tourism and quality of life for citizens. The offer provided cost estimates, design, construction and timetable under the guidelines of the Public-Private Education and Infrastructure Act that authorizes public-private partnerships for city and state development. 

The act allows for submission and discussion of unsolicited offers before the proposal is made public. The facility would be located near the Hampton Coliseum and the city has expressed interest in seating for tournament events. Current cost estimates for the aquatics center add up to $22 million, and the idea is at the top of the list on the city's capital improvement plan.
Colorado- The city of Vail is discussing the future of its nature center. Composed of 7 pristine acres and home to a vintage 1940's house, parts of the Vail Nature Center are in desperate need of rehabilitation. The aging building has traditionally been open to the public on a seasonal basis, yet now the facility has been deemed unsafe and the exhibits it housed have been moved to a yurt on site. 

The question that faces Vail officials is what to do with the structure moving forward. With over 7,000 visitors annually, the nature center does stand as an opportunity for community investment. The Vail Town Council has agreed to provide $80,000 for further planning this year. Any funding beyond that, a public-private partnership (P3) would need to be pursued. Early construction budgets range from roughly $800,000 to more than $3 million. Proposed options range from remodeling or renovating the existing facility to a moderate expansion that might include a new building or an extension of the facility that includes an education center.
Indiana- A former Whitestown automobile junkyard could be getting a fresh start. Right along Interstate 65, town officials envision a community center, sports facilities, an amphitheater and maybe even a convention center-all part of a 135-acre mixed-use campus that incorporates the Little League International's planned Central Region Headquarters. In September the town announced that they had purchased the 135 acres for $6.5 million. 

The Little League Central Region Headquarters building will occupy 20 acres of the site, while the other acreage will see at least two ballfields, a 10,000-square-foot practice facility and a broadcasting facility. With the Little League project underway, its chief financial officer has announced that the site will be used for future tournaments starting in 2020. Whitestown plans to begin negotiations with other developers and institutions that would have a hand in designing, building and/or funding the rest of the land. A conceptual plan shows it could also include a medical office building and a mixed-use building with apartments and additional office space. The town hopes to enter a public-private partnership to help fund the project, estimated to cost $150 million.
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Missouri- Kansas City is planning an expansion of the "Smart City" initiative that began last year with the "Project Max" bus line. The 9-mile extension will begin service from downtown to 75th and Prospect and boasts fewer stops and a real time travel information system. The bus line expansion is just the beginning of changes in the city. In the coming months the city intends to award a group of tech companies a contract that will span the next 30 years of the "Smart Cities" initiative on the east side and beyond. Upgrades such as smart parking, water metering, intersections and streetlights are all possibilities. 

Due to the fact that the city lacks the capital and the expertise to fully realize the "Smart City" blueprint, officials expect the private partner to invest at least a half-billion dollars long-term. The current footprint of this initiative is a 54-block area anchored by the 2.2-mile downtown streetcar line from the River Market to Union Station. This represents less than one percent of Kansas City and demonstrates that public-private partnerships are needed to expedite smart cities development.
Washington, D.C.- The United States is in the lead on 5G technology, but China, South Korea and many other countries are eager to forge ahead. That is why the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently voted to reduce the fees and timelines for local reviews of tower citing in order to speed up small cell deployments. 

FCC officials stated that 5G technology will help increase download speeds and make new internet technologies more available. Additionally, the commission stated that it is still determined to expand broadband coverage by working with the states and collecting data. By the end of the year it will be issuing a request for proposals for additional data and a technology service provider that will help integrate all of the data sources the commission can bring together.
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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

- Colorado State University (CSU) President Tony Frank will step down from that role next summer and transition to chancellor of the CSU System full-time. Frank has been president of CSU for a decade. The jobs were split in 2009 after being traditionally held by the same person and then merged again in May 2015, with Frank in both roles. The move will be effective July 1, 2019. The CSU System's Board of Governors will announce the process for finding his replacement in coming weeks. 
- The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority announced that Stephanie L. Saracco was appointed the Ogdensburg International Airport manager. Saracco brings extensive winter airport operations experience from her service as a former airport manager at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, Penn., and airport duty manager at the Pittsburgh International Airport. 
- James J. Tymon was selected to become the sixth executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Tymon, who is AASHTO's chief operating officer and director of policy and management, joined the association in 2013. He will assume his new role when the current executive director, Frederick "Bud" Wright, retires Dec. 31. Tymon previously served as staff director of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 
- Cal State San Marcos University's President Karen Haynes announced last week that she will retire at the end of June 2019. In 1995, when she became the president of the University of Houston-Victoria, following a brief tenure as interim president, she was the first university leader in the nation with an academic background in social work. She replaced outgoing president Alexander Gonzalez at Cal State San Marcos in 2004. 
- The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has named Patrick T. Warren as chief safety officer, overseeing all safety management policy implementation. Prior to joining the MTA, Warren worked for the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) as the deputy associate administrator for the Office of Railroad Safety and then as the agency's executive director. 
- The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced Rana Ghadban as its new president and CEO, replacing Leron Gubler, who is retiring. Ghadban has served as the president and CEO of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce for the past two years. Ghadban will start a one-month transition period in December, and will officially assume the responsibilities of president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2019. 
- Bret Black began his new position on Oct. 1 as the Piedmont fire chief. Former Chief Bud McLaren, a 30-year veteran, retired this summer, and Piedmont Fire Capt. Scott Barringer has filled in as interim chief while the search was conducted for McLaren's replacement. Black was with the Clovis Fire Department since 1999, working his way up from firefighter, engineer, captain and then battalion chief. 
- The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) announced it has recruited transportation and planning expert Hasan Ikhrata to be its next executive director. Ikhrata - who is scheduled to start as the top official at SANDAG in December - has run the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for more than a decade. Ikhrata worked for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the South Coast Air Quality Management District before first jointing SCAG in 1994. 
- Holly Ridings has been named National Aeronautics Space Administration's (NASA) chief flight director. Ridings has been with NASA since 1998, joining as a flight controller in the organization's thermal operations group. Since 2005, she's served as a flight director, leading multiple space missions. In August, NASA's Johnson Space Center named Vanessa Wyche as its deputy director. 
- Todd Dew was chosen as the new chief of police for the Magnolia Police Department. He joined the city of Magnolia Police Department as a sergeant patrol officer and criminal investigator, which led him to his current role as captain in the Criminal Investigations Division of the department. Dew takes the place of Chief Glenn Maxwell, who has held the position since December 2011. 
- Menlo Park City Manager Alex McIntyre has given notice of resignation to the city council and is in the process of negotiating with the city of Ventura to take on the role of city manager there. He plans to leave his current job at the end of October. He has held the position since March 2012. The city council is working on finding an interim or acting city manager who can fill the role while the city hires an executive search firm to conduct a more thorough search for a new city manager. 
- Brad Eggleston will be the new leader of the Palo Alto Public Works Department. The appointment is set to go to the city council for approval in October. Eggleston joined the city 20 years ago. He has served in every Public Works division and has been the interim director since former Director Michael Sartor retired earlier this year. Eggleston joined the city in 1998 as an industrial waste investigator and has managed the city's environmental-control and solid-waste programs before becoming assistant director of the Public Works Director in 2012.
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