Application period opens for transportation projects

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) recently announced it is accepting unsolicited proposals from the private sector for transportation projects.

Proposals are for PennDOT-owned projects and infrastructure. They must offer innovative ways to deliver transportation projects across a variety of modes and must include more efficient models to manage existing transportation-related services and programs.

Modes include aviation, bridges, ports, rail, and roads.

Applications are also being accepted for non-PennDOT-owned assets. Transit authorities and other transportation entities outside of the governor’s jurisdiction may accept proposals year-round.

The deadline for proposals is 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31. Instructions on how to submit as well as information on the review process can be found on the state’s P3 website.

The next unsolicited proposal acceptance period will be April 2022.

Under state law, PennDOT and other transportation authorities and commissions are permitted to partner with private companies for delivering, maintaining, and financing transportation-related projects.

The seven-member Public Private Transportation Partnership Board examines and approves potential public-private transportation projects.

When the board determines a state project would be administered more cost-effectively by a private company, it will authorize the company to submit a proposal and enter into a contract.