Date: 08/05/2014
Final
Presentation by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado
TRANSPORTATION LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| <none> | <none> |
12:27 PM -- Presentation by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado
Ms. Marilen Reimer, Executive Director, American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC), introduced herself to the committee and discussed the benefits of P3 arrangements. Mr. Brad Doyle, Colorado Area Manager, Parsons, introduced himself to the committee and said that Parsons is concerned with possible legislation concerning public-private partnership (P3) projects. He discussed the limited number of companies that are available for large P3 projects and expressed concern that increased legislation could limit future P3 projects. He discussed Senate Bill 14-197, concerning the Transportation Enterprise Transparency Act.
12:38 PM
Director Reimer and Mr. Doyle responded to questions from the committee regarding CDOT's oversight role and possible challenges from increased oversight of P3 projects. Senator Jones discussed the need to maximize transparency and said that P3 projects are not as transparent as when CDOT does the project. Committee discussion ensued regarding the importance of public involvement and increased transparency. Representative Kraft-Tharp noted that private investors have said that projects are better investments if the public is involved, and stated that she thinks more public involvement leads to greater support for transportation funding. She discussed why Senate Bill 14-197 was vetoed. Director Reimer said that ACEC was in agreement with the executive order that the governor issued when he vetoed the bill. Representative Mitsch Bush discussed a poll conducted by Club 20 and said that the poll's preliminary findings suggest that when the public is involved and understands the value of a specific project, there is more support than the Impact 64 poll indicated. Mr. Doyle discussed the competitive nature of the process. Representative Lawrence expressed her concern with the lack transparency with the P3 proposal process. She said that the public does not get to see a statement of qualification, how the list is narrowed down to a few contractors, or what promises are made in the P3 proposals. She said that these things are important in order to know if these promises are fulfilled. Representative Kraft-Tharp requested additional information on the different types of P3s.
01:05 PM
Senator Todd thanked the presenters for their presentation and for providing lunch to the committee.