PennDOT accepting unsolicited P3 proposals

Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through December 31. The submission period applies to PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure.

During this period, the private sector can submit proposals offering innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes including roads, bridges, rail, aviation and ports. Proposals can also include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.

“We pride ourselves on our innovative approaches to transportation solutions,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “By accepting unsolicited P3 proposals, we are encouraging others to propose innovative or partnership projects that they think will benefit the commonwealth and Pennsylvanians.”

The private sector may also submit applications for non-PennDOT owned assets directly to the P3 board during this time. Transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction, such as transit authorities, may establish their own timelines or accept proposals year-round. Unsolicited proposals are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on December 31. Instructions on how to submit a project and information on the unsolicited proposal review process can be found on the state’s P3 website (www.P3.pa.gov).

Also accepted was the Northampton County bridge renewal proposal to construct, finance, and maintain the replacement and rehabilitation of 32 bridges at various locations throughout the county. Twenty-seven bridges were to be replaced and five rehabilitated within a four-year timeframe.

Another example is a wetland mitigation bank proposed on PennDOT-owned land in Chalfont Borough/New Britain Township, Bucks County. The proposal calls for a private partner to design, establish and maintain 140 acres of wetlands. The credits from this site would be used for transportation-related mitigation requirements for projects in the Philadelphia and Allentown areas. Any remaining credits would be available for sale to the private sector.

The state’s P3 law allows PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions to partner with private companies to participate in delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

As part of the P3 law, the seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board was appointed to examine and approve potential public-private transportation projects. If the board determines a state operation would be more cost-effectively administered by a private company, the company will be authorized to submit a proposal and enter into a contract to either completely or partially take over that operation for a defined period of time.

The next unsolicited proposal period will occur in April. To learn more about P3 in Pennsylvania, including active projects, visit www.P3.pa.gov.