PPP Advisory Panel

The Governor created the Public-Private Partnership Advisory Panel to review and make recommendations regarding public-private partnerships (PPPs). The Panel included representatives from the legislature, local governments, business leaders across the state, and the Nevada Taxpayers Association.

The Governor’s PPP Advisory Panel consisted of the following members:

  • Chairman Kirk Clausen – Wells Fargo
  • Rod Cooper – Granite Construction
  • Pat Lundvall – McDonald Carano-Wilson
  • Leslie Pittman – Stations Casino
  • State Treasurer Kate Marshall
  • Carole Vilardo – Nevada Taxpayers Assoc.
  • Senator John Lee
  • Commissioner Chip Maxfield
  • Mayor Mike Montandon
  • Senator Dennis Nolan
  • Assemblyman Joe Hardy
  • Assemblyman Kelvin Atkinson
The PPP Advisory Panel’s assigned mission was to review the concepts of transportation-based public-private partnerships and recommend:
  • Whether PPPs would be a viable option for the state,
  • Whether the proposed Pioneer Program was appropriately structured for delivering PPPs, and
  • Whether NDOT should pursue a demonstration project through the Pioneer Program.

The Panel held four meetings from May 2007 to April 2008 facilitated by PPP Advisory Panel Chairman, Kirk Clausen. Presentations were given by NDOT Director Susan Martinovich, Deputy Director/Chief Engineer, Scott Rawlins and PPP experts with Jacobs Engineering. Agenda items from the four meetings included:

  • The PPP Advisory Panel’s role and mission
  • Review of concurrent NDOT related activities
  • Overview of the definition and types of public-private partnerships
  • Overview of recent national developments regarding PPP’s
  • Presentations of PPP case studies from across the nation and internationally
  • Review of the Pioneer Program objectives, organizational structure, and project development process
  • Presentation of Project Sagebrush, a hypothetical Pioneer Program project
  • Presentation of a I-15 Managed Lane Demonstration Project

The main issues surrounding the discussions of these topics included:

  • Legislative limitations: Currently user fees or tolling is not allowed in Nevada for use of public roadways or bridges.
  • How would a PPP project be developed and structured in Nevada?
  • How would revenues generated from a concession agreement be allocated?
  • What does the public think about the private sector maintaining and operating a public facility?
  • To what extent and who would have the authority to enter into PPPs?
  • What process would be established to ensure that the partnerships are good for Nevada?

Throughout the sessions, the PPP Advisory Panel participated in discussions with NDOT and PPP experts to obtain a better understanding of the program developed for the Nevada Department of Transportation and of public-private partnerships in general, as well as, opportunities for these partnerships on Nevada transportation projects. The Advisory Panel was satisfied with NDOT’s plans for the Pioneer Program and proposed program’s organizational structure which included substantial checks and balances to ensure the best opportunities and results to advance projects through non-traditional delivery methods.

The Advisory Panel was satisfied with NDOT’s plans for the Pioneer Program and proposed the program’s organizational structure which included substantial checks and balances to ensure the best opportunities and results to advance projects through non-traditional delivery methods.

As a result, the Panel recommended to the Nevada Transportation Board to:

  • Allow NDOT to develop public-private partnerships through the use of the Pioneer Program, and
  • Authorize a I-15/US95 demonstration project, consisting of managed lanes, be developed through the Pioneer Program.