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Sept. 17 session allows companies to learn more about opportunities to complete two unfinished toll roads.
HARRISBURG, PA (08/15/2008; 1308)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will host a Sept. 17 informational meeting for companies interested in learning more about a possible Public-Private Partnership, or "P3" to finance, design, construct, operate and/or maintain three remaining sections of the Mon-Fayette Expressway and Southern Beltway toll highways near Pittsburgh. The meeting will take place Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East, 4757 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, Pa. from 1 to 4 p.m.
Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier said the commission remains fully committed to advancing the Mon-Fayette Expressway and Southern Beltway projects to completion. "In order to do that, we need to look at all options, including alternatives like P3s," he said. "Timely completion of these projects is important to the region's economy, and we believe private involvement could accelerate construction, particularly since there's very limited funding available for new transportation projects at the state and federal levels."
The Turnpike Commission began considering possible applications of a P3 on the Mon-Fayette Expressway and Southern Beltway in January, 2007 when it became clear that existing revenue streams were inadequate to finish the projects in a practical timetable. "We've long recognized the need for private-sector involvement in transportation funding," Brimmeier pointed out. "We believe the best use for a P3 is as initially intended: To help build new facilities, so-called ‘greenfield' projects. However, we still assert that P3s relating to ‘brownfield,' projects - or existing infrastructure - offer less opportunity for the private sector to add value."
 
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