PPEA/PPTA Bulletin - September 22, 2005

by Christopher D. Lloyd, McGuireWoods Consulting

Reminder - P3 Conference in Richmond, September 30, 2005. See the conference brochure if you are interested in attending. Only a few spots left.

1. Advocate urges more rail for I-81

"Another view on I-81," TriCities.com, September 11, 2005

2. VITA PPEA process to be opened for public review, details begin to emerge

"In Brief," Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 11, 2005

"State data centers: no site specifics, but tantalizing details," Coalfield Progress, September 13, 2005

"Agency releases edited IT bids," Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 13, 2005

"IT agency's proposals detailed," Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 14, 2005

"Governor holds key to high-tech jobs for Southwest Virginia," TriCities.com, September 21, 2005

"Who will rebuild Virginia's computer systems?" The Roanoke Times,  September 22, 2005

3. JLARC holds hearings on VITA PPEA process and implementation

The following are links to the JLARC review of VITA implementation and the report provided by the Virginia Chief Information Officer on the PPEA process.

Transforming Information Technology in the Commonwealth [PDF document]

Status Report: VITA Implementation Review [PDF document]

4. Virginia School for Deaf and Blind PPEA debate continue, costs escalate

"The fate of VSDB: Gubernatorial race candidates answer the question: What should the state do with the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind and its two campuses?," The News Leader, September 12, 2005

"The fate of VSDB: The News Leader posed several questions to this year’s 20th District Delegate candidates," The News Leader, September 13, 2005

"VSDB's future in Staunton could become clearer today: State board scheduled to vote at meeting," The News Leader, September 21, 2005

"VSDB's future remains in limbo No decision from board as all proposals are over cost," The News Leader, September 22, 2005

"Bids for VSDB project higher than expected," The News Virginian Thursday, September 22, 2005

5. Crosstown Connector PPTA could be delayed

"Connector likely delayed longer," The News & Advance, September 13, 2005

6. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel toll plans draw skeptics and alternative plans

"Lawmakers leery of tolls," Daily Press, September 13, 2005

"Lawmaker to propose modified toll system," The Virginian-Pilot, September 19, 2005

7. HOT Lanes debate continues

"Put the HOT lanes on ice; build D.C. bypass instead," The Free Lance-Star, September 13, 2005

"Not So HOT," Letter to the Editor, Springfield Connection, September 15, 2005

"Begin To Pay Attention," Editorial, Springfield Connection, September 15, 2005

"Drivers chime in on HOT lanes," Potomac News, September 22, 2005

"Va. Residents, Drivers Weigh Proposed Toll Lanes," Washington Post, September 22, 2005

8. Bedford Board nixes PPEA for Jefferson Forest High School

"Bedford board rejects new JF," The News & Advance, September 13, 2005

"Board opts for renovation," Bedford Bulletin, September 15, 2005

9. PPEA issues bring FOIA concerns

"Study tackles PPEA secrecy," from a recent newsletter for the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, expresses concern about how the PPEA process has been used to restrict public access to procurement activities. These concerns are likely to result in legislative changes in the 2006 General Assembly session.

10. ARTBA to hold session on SEP-15

The American Road and Transportation Builders Association has announced a free seminar in Washington D.C. on October 5 to discuss the new SEP-15 environmental process from the Federal Highway Administration. This process allows for more innovative approaches to the development of transportation infrastructure.

11. Centex PPEA profiled in Froehling & Robertson newsletter

An article from a recent issue of Froehling & Robertson Connection (www.fandr.com) profiles the roles of the various team members in the successful Centex PPEA proposal for 2 medium security prisons in Virginia.

12. Clarke PPEA saga continues

"School Board Asks Teams for More Data: Bricks and Mortar, Cost and Feasibility Among Concerns," The Winchester Star, September 15, 2005

"‘Quick Take’ Explained as Clarke Eyes Property," The Winchester Star, September 21, 2005

"Supervisors Weigh Methods for New School Budget," The Winchester Star, September 21, 2005

"Lawyers: Referendum Not a Mandate to Build," The Winchester Star, September 15, 2005

13. Army Corps decision imperils Tri-County Parkway

"Tri-County Parkway Proposal Doomed: Corps Cites Route's Impact on Wetlands," Washington Post, September 15, 2005

14. Frederick County vetoes PPEA use for now

"Frederick School Board Delays Pursuing PPEA: Action Postponed on Replacing Gainesboro Because of Pending Joint Meeting with Supervisors," The Winchester Star, September 21, 2005

15. Senate task force examines transportation crisis

"Road conditions called 'beyond crisis'," Daily Press, September 21, 2005

16. Katrina shows need for more Hampton Roads roads

"How about a road for all seasons instead?" Letters to the editor, Daily Press, September 21, 2005

17. Baliles toll plan continues to draw praise

"Smart idea In the debate over money for transportation, Baliles gets specific," Daily Press, September 13, 2005