How new legislation promotes partnerships
The passage of the public/private Education Facilities and Infrastructure
Act of 2002 (PPEA) brings new options for public-sector building
projects. This innovative legislation allows public entities the
authority to create public/private partnerships for the development
of a wide range of public-use projects.
The most common scenario enabled by PPEA is for a private entity
to build the desired facility, then lease it back to the public
entity. This arrangement allows a public agency to promptly build
and occupy a facility without having to appropriate full construction
funding. (Other scenarios made possible by PPEA include private-sector
maintenance/operation of facilities.)
PPEA also allows public parties to solicit proposals for desired
projects—and even to accept unsolicited proposals. This can
greatly streamline governmental procurement procedures by eliminating
the need for a lengthy public bidding process, burdensome allocation
hearings, or referenda.
Ultimately, the PPEA gives institutions and localities far greater
latitude in the initiation of public projects, in the sources of
funding for those projects, and in the selection of vendors.
Virtually any public construction project can qualify for the
PPEA approach including:
- schools and school stadiums
- utility and telecommunications infrastructure
- parks
- libraries
- improvements to public buildings
- jails
- and more
View complete legislation documents
here. |
