PPPs

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is planning another push to get legislation passed to facilitate public private partnerships (PPPs). Previous efforts to get law more hospitable to private sector ownership of infrastructure including toll concessions have run into opposition from civil service unions and their supporters in the Democratic Party which has majorities in both houses of the legislature.

Peter Ruane of the DC road builder lobby ARTBA had a letter in the Wall Street Journal (July 9) belittling the potential contribution of tolls and private capital, and he claimed USDOT endorsement. He chided the Journal editorial writers saying private capital for roads "is not the panacea you proclaim," continuing: "An August 2006 U.S.

Reason Foundation has just posted on the questions frequently asked (FAQs) on toll concessions, privatization of existing tollroads and HOT lanes:

Building New Roads through Public-Private Partnerships: Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.reason.org/pb58_building_new_roads.pdf

Leasing State Toll Roads: Frequently Asked Questions