highways, bridges, and tunnels, but transit programs, like the one being proposed in Nashville, are authorized. Sean Braisted, a spokesman for Mayor Barry’s office, had this to say about possible delivery methods, when and if the project moves forward: “Metro has developed our program at this stage without a definitive determination as to the ultimate delivery model. Metro will examine traditional design-bid-build and we will also entertain alter- nate delivery models to include the possibility of a P3 if it would result in faster or less expensive delivery, while managing the long-term risk of the city and keeping the best interests of our workers and residents in mind.” Before Nashville arrives at the question of whether to use P3, how- ever, it must first push past the age-old obstacle that has dogged public works for years — the unpopularity of new and increased taxes.
mount. As proposed, the increased taxes would be implemented in Nashville and Davidson County, but not in the surrounding area. For many constituents, that might be too much to swallow — paying for something that lots of other people get to use. “This is the potential problem on the horizon,” Jones said. “That’s what will be politically difficult.” There is already opposition to Mayor Barry’s proposal. And then there’s the additional issue of what projects would be good for P3 and which ones wouldn’t — when and if the taxes are passed. Tennessee is brand new to P3 and has a law that, in Jones’ opinion, is “not the model of clarity.” Though Jones was speaking of Tennessee, he could have been talking about multiple other states across the country when, referring to the P3 bureaucracy in Nashville, he said, “There’s no real infrastructure to get from Point A to Point B.” RICHARD MASSEY is director of newsletters and special publications at Zweig Group and editor of The Zweig Letter. He can be reached at rmassey@zwieiggroup.com.
Zachary Jones Infrastructure attorney, Stites & Harbison PLLC
Zachary Jones, an infrastructure attorney with Nashville-based Stites & Harbison PLLC, said the political hurdle will be difficult to sur-
Tap into the very best of your firm in 2018. With BQE Core’s unparalleled cloud project accounting platform, you’ll boost efficiency, grow profits, and get the business intelligence you need for the best year yet. New Year, New Insights
www.bqe.com/core
21
january 2018
csengineermag.com
Made with FlippingBook Annual report