Richard L. Hanna: “This bipartisan amendment presents a simple, nonbinding sense of Congress recognizing the value of private sector…”

“This bipartisan amendment presents a simple, nonbinding sense of Congress recognizing the value of private sector engineering services in delivering road, bridge, and public transportation projects of all natures. Nearly identical language was included in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act last year, which we adopted with overwhelming support on both sides of the aisle. Local engineering firms in each of our districts play an important role in partnering with State and local agencies to deliver transportation projects. Just as States use private contractors to build roads and bridges, they utilize private engineering companies to design them. While many DOTs partner well with private engineering firms, some States do not take advantage of the services and expertise available. Local firms are essentially shut out from competing for federally funded projects. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing private and public sector engineering expertise. But let me be clear: This amendment is not about privatization; it is about options. Private firms will be the first to argue that we must have trained and experienced engineers within the DOTs to manage, design, and oversee the many programs. This is about encouraging States to strike the balance that works best for them. Collaboration between public and private engineers is essential in delivering the highest quality and most cost-effective projects.…”