PPEA/PPTA Bulletin - May 20, 2005

by Christopher D. Lloyd, McGuireWoods Consulting

1. US DOT Secretary Mineta praises partnerships to meet U.S. infrastructure needs

The following is a speech by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta at a recent transportation conference where he further underscored the administration's support for public-private transportation partnerships.

Remarks for the Honorable Norman Y. Mineta Secretary of Transportation: Bear Stearns Global Transportation Conference [Word document]

2. Debate continues about Bedford schools PPEA aspects

"School Board divided over future of JFHS," Bedford Bulletin, May 18, 2005

3. Harrisonburg contemplating PPEA to meet school needs

"City School Complex Planned: Board Considers Issues While Continuing Search For A Site," Daily News-Record, May 18, 2005

4. Governor Warner says public private partnership role is growing

"Gov. Warner talks economy, transportation in Leesburg," Loudoun Times Mirror, May 17, 2005

5. Developer withdraws PPTA for Loudoun roads tied to real estate deal

"Creekside off table, now what?" Loudoun Times Mirror, May 17, 2005

"Creekside Washes Out," Leesburg Today, May 19, 2005

6. Donley's draws praise for Fredericksburg PPEA parking deck

"Parking deck winning converts," The Free Lance-Star, May 19, 2005

7. Fairfax considering PPEA to meet affordable housing needs

"SRO housing on the drawing board for Fairfax County," TimesCommunity.com, May 18, 2005

8. Tolls essential to achieve Hampton Roads' goals report finds

"New projects could come with higher taxes or tolls," The Virginian-Pilot, May 19, 2005

9. Virginia Senate creates panel to examine transportation issues

Below are the press releases, presentations, news coverage, and a list of members for the new Senate panel to look at Virginia's transportation issues. The House Transportation Committee will also be convening a similar group this summer. Separate committees were necessary because the House and Senate could not agree on language to form a joint subcommittee. The main disagreement was over the issue of a tax increase.

Advisory to the Media - May 19, 2005 [PDF document]
John H. Chichester - May 19, 2005 [PDF document]
Statewide Transportation Analysis and Recommendation Task Force (START) - Citizen Members [PDF document]

"State Senate to take on clogged roads," The Free Lance-Star, May 20, 2005

10. Maryland releases draft PPEA guidelines

During the 2004 General Assembly, Maryland adopted a "knock-off" version of the Virginia PPEA to allow innovative construction and financing methods for K-12 schools. Nearly a year later, the guidelines are now in draft form. Comments are due by June 2.

Section 304 Project Procurement Methods [Word document]
Section 306 Alternative Financing Methods [Word document]
Drafts for Comments [Word document]

11. Clarke school funding debate continues

"Panel Finds Fault with Referendum," The Winchester Star, Friday, May 20, 2005

12. Virginia's HOT Lanes endorsed

"HOT Lanes Improve Quality of Life," Connection Newspapers, May 19, 2005