Public-private partnerships have gained ground in the debate over how to pay for roads and other infrastructure projects with the announcement of a special House panel to explore P3 issues and opportunities.
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) made the announcement on Jan. 16, along with the committee’s ranking member, Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.). They said the panel will look at P3s for all modes of transportation, economic development, public buildings, water and maritime infrastructure and equipment.
As federal funding for transportation has been downsized in recent years, P3s are increasing being used by states to finance new infrastructure projects.
Rep. John Duncan (R-Tenn.) will chair the panel tasked with examining the role P3s play in development and delivery of transportation and infrastructure projects in the U.S.
Shuster and Rahall said the panel will look at if and how “P3s enhance delivery and management of transportation and infrastructure projects beyond the capabilities of government agencies or the private sector acting independently.”
The will also look at how to balance the needs of the public and private sectors.
Announcement of the special panel came two days after the House transportation committee held its first hearing of the year on writing a new highway bill.
The current funding law, MAP-21, which only authorized spending for two years, expires on Sept. 30.
