The Alaska Contractor: Fall 2006

work with and support the development
of the project. A political leader
who is able to inform his/her constituents
of the process and help dispel any
misperceptions will prove invaluable
during the preliminary design and
construction periods.
During the process of creating and
completing a partnered project, disagreements
and misconceptions may
arise between the parties involved.
Therefore it is paramount that the
people involved with fi nancing (the
stake holders) as well as the employees
and involved interest groups be
kept abreast of the latest news and
happenings within the scope of the
project along with the public at large.
Income plays a big part of a successful
public-private projects. Communication
and well thought out
plans are important in the scope of
what is being considered, but if there
is no money to proceed with the plans
there are no jobs. Private investors invest
in an idea. It is signifi cant to make
sure that enough funding is secured to
continue the project without harming
the community.
Involvement from the public at
large also plays a big role. Active participation
from people in the community
allow entities other than the
principal builders or fi nanciers to take
a close look at the true design plan.
It keeps people informed and aware
about what is happening in “their own
backyards.”
In addition to involved investors,
designers, builders, public offi cials,
and public citizens successful partnerships
need to have a plan. Most plans
involve a lengthy contract that outlines
the responsibilities of each partner and
defi nes what will happen in the event
of disagreements and set backs.
Governments need to clearly consider
all the alternatives before proceeding
with a partnership plan. Once
the process starts it is imperative to
fi nd the right partner; one who will
work well within this long term “relationship.”
Alaska is in a new era; one that
involves the emergence of public-private
partnership legislation. The Knik
Arm Bridge in Anchorage is a prime
example of a possible public-private
partnership.
According the “Knik Arm Bridge
and Toll Authority Industry Symposium
Report” released in January, the
purpose of the proposed Knik Arm
Crossing project is to provide enhanced
access between Anchorage
and the Mat-Su.
“The proposed project would further
the development of the regional
transportation system (moving people,
freight and goods) by providing improved
vehicular access and surface
transportation connectivity between
Anchorage, the Mat-Su and Interior
Alaska.”
Northern Economics of Anchorage
estimates that 15 percent of the
Anchorage population plans to move
out of the city in the future. Allowing
a public-private partnership to build
a bridge across the Knik Arm would
add a second transportation corridor
between Anchorage and the Mat-Su
valley. For commuters in some areas
of the borough, the new bridge would
reduce the mileage to Anchorage and
travel time.
24 The Alaska CONTRACTOR Fall 2006