LTE: Public-Private Partnerships deliver transportation solutions

Friday, January 11, 2013

 Letter to the Editor:  Public-Partnerships Deliver Real Transportation Solutions

Dear Editor,

The continued planning and construction of new infrastructure projects is necessary to keep Northern Virginia’s economy strong, and its people moving. However, the state simply does not have the resources to meet current infrastructure maintenance or construction needs.   

As our legislative leaders continue to debate the long-term solution to our transportation funding challenges and evaluate transportation needs in Northern Virginia, major infrastructure projects will only become a reality through the continued use of Public-Private Partnerships. Transferring the risk from the public to the private sector in many cases provides greater efficiency and projects that are delivered on time and on budget.  It also allows the Commonwealth to leverage private investment to deliver more with each tax dollar.

Virginia has rightly embraced the innovative Public Private Partnership Transportation Act (PPTA), a model statute first implemented in 1995 by the General Assembly.  It has enabled Virginia to partner with the private sector to finance and construct several successful infrastructure projects that have greatly benefited Virginia’s economy and reduced traffic congestion on key corridors. Given that the PPTA delivers otherwise unattainable transportation infrastructure projects, our policymakers must ensure that this procurement method remains available for future use.

It is the PPTA that paved the way for the partnership between Virginia and Transurban-Fluor, the private entity contracted to design, construct and manage the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. With ground recently broken on the 95 Express Lanes, the economic benefits of that project are already being felt in greater Prince William. According to the George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis study, construction spending on the 95 Express Lanes will create 2,620 jobs in Prince William alone and generate $95 million in personal earnings for our residents.

The impact of the construction spending is even more compelling when considering the wider fiscal impact. During construction, the project will support 12,600 jobs and contribute $1.5 billion to the Commonwealth’s   economy.  The economic and transportation benefits of this infrastructure “Megaproject” underscore the key role of PPTA in providing real transportation solutions.

As counties such as Prince William and Loudoun continue to serve as activity centers for new regional jobs, it is essential to connect these employment centers with an infrastructure system. PPTA can help move forward development of the North-South Corridor of Statewide Significance/Bi-County Parkway that can provide a long-term connection to move both freight and commuters between Prince William County, Loudoun County and the 95 corridor.  In addition to economic growth, this corridor could ensure that the historical and environmental conditions around the project are protected by sensible and sustainable planning and construction processes. 

To attract and retain business, Northern Virginia must have a robust and efficient transportation infrastructure system. By safeguarding the PPTA, legislators can ensure that new infrastructure projects such as the North-South Corridor become a reality as well as making progress on the maintenance backlog currently facing our transportation system.  The result would be real transportation solutions that support prosperity and keep Northern Virginia economically competitive.

Sincerely,

Robert H. Clapper, III

President & CEO

Prince William Chamber of Commerce