On March 29, President Obama flew to South Florida for a tour of PortMiami and to deliver a speech promoting more private investment in public infrastructure projects. The President proposed raising caps on certain municipal and state bonds and making those bonds available for more projects; he also proposed an additional $4 billion in spending toward certain programs that provide funding for transportation projects. The proposals are part of the administration’s “Partnership to Rebuild America,” which include plans to enact a National Infrastructure Bank (“NIB”) capitalized with $10 billion to spend on public works projects throughout the country. The NIB would issue loans and loan guarantees to eligible projects; these loans could extend to 35 years. The administration has yet to release information regarding how these projects would be paid for, but indicated that it would be addressed next month.
Our transportation law attorneys provide advice, government affairs consulting and litigation legal services for numerous transportation industry clients. We represent our clients in court and in front of governmental agencies at all levels, including counties, municipalities, the State transportation departments, regional transit authorities and Federal agencies. WSH attorneys have considerable experience handling public/private partnerships in the area of transportation. Led by Member Mitchell A. Bierman, our Government Affairs and Procurement Group handles P3 transactions, obtaining, maintaining, and performing government contracts seeking legislative relief from regulations, licensing, and regulatory compliance and handling administrative proceedings. WSH Founding Member Joseph H. Serota served as Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce from 2006 through 2008. He also served as Chair of the Chamber’s New World Center Committee, which focuses on Downtown Development, from 2009 through 2011. He is currently “Of Counsel” to the Chamber.
Author(s): Brooke P. Dolara
