300+ Industry Leaders Discuss Future of
Public-Private Partnerships as Tool for Addressing Transportation Infrastructure Challenges
at ARTBA Conference

Contact:
Jeff Solsby 202-289-4434		Print this page

Washington, D.C. [Nov. 20, 2007]—More than 300 transportation design and construction industry, financial services, consulting professionals and government officials participated in the Nov. 1-2 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) 19th Annual Conference on Public-Private Ventures (PPV), held in Washington, D.C. The event showcases the latest information on best practices, procedures and financing models for private participation in transportation infrastructure financing.

Key speakers included Representative John Mica (R-Fla.), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, who outlined the need for a comprehensive national transportation plan and the role of public-private partnerships (P3) in the process.

ARTBA President & CEO Pete Ruane outlined the association’s “Critical Commerce Corridors” national freight mobility proposal. Jack Schenendorf, vice chairman of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission joined Bryan Grote, National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission member to provide an update on the two commissions’ deliberations and upcoming policy recommendation reports. Both commissions were established as part of the 2005 SAFETEA-LU surface transportation law. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Vice Admiral Thomas Barrett also outlined the Bush Administration’s support for P3s and their role in meeting future transportation needs.

During the conference, ARTBA recognized the Port of Miami Tunnel Project, a landmark P3, with the annual “Project of the Year” award. It will provide a seamless link between the Port of Miami and inland transportation hubs, including Interstate 95 and Interstate 395 while permitting future development and expansion capacity. Information about the project is available at www.portofmiamitunnel.com.

ARTBA PPV “Entrepreneur of the Year” awards were also presented to Florida Assistant Secretary of Transportation for Finance and Administration Lowell Clary, and to Robert Poole, director of transportation studies with the Los Angeles, Calif.-based Reason Foundation. Nominations were submitted by industry officials and reviewed by a team of independent professionals. The award recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of P3s that advance transportation infrastructure improvements.

Additional information, including complete conference session details and the conference program are available under the "Meetings & Events" section of www.artba.org.

Established in 1902 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., ARTBA represents the U.S. transportation construction industry before Congress, the Executive Branch, federal agencies, news media and general public.

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