Public-private partnerships market in District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia
The Trade Commissioner Service team at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. is responsible for three Mid-Atlantic States: Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Public-private partnerships (P3s) continue to emerge, growing in interest and support, as an attractive tool to tackle the infrastructure deficit. D.C. and the three states covered by the Embassy’s Mid-Atlantic purview, have passed P3 enabling legislation.
District of Columbia (D.C.)
D.C.’s P3 legislation, entitled The Public-Private Partnership Act of 2014, was approved on December 29, 2014. The legislation:
- formalizes the process for evaluating proposals
- clarifies requirements for a P3 agreement
- authorizes P3s for both horizontal and social infrastructure projects in D.C.
- allows for both solicited and unsolicited proposals
Maryland (MD)
Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of P3s in Maryland. The State’s P3 legislation allows for projects beyond transportation as well as unsolicited proposals.
Most recent projects include a Worcester County broadband project, a bundle school construction program for the Prince George County School Board, and the I-495 & I-270 shortlist for P3 Program Phase 1 of Maryland’s traffic relief plan.
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has completed numerous P3 projects; including the Seagrit Marine Terminal and the I-95 travel plazas, since the adoption of P3 legislation. The Traffic Relief Plan, announced in 2017, is anticipated to reduce traffic congestion. The largest initiative in the plan is the I-495 & I-270 P3 program to improve over 70 miles of interstate in MD. In July 2020, MDOT and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced a shortlist of private-sector teams eligible to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP).
Virginia (VA)
Virginia is a known P3 leader in the United States. The state has two pieces of P3 legislation: the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) of 2002 and the Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) of 1995. The PPEA focuses on social infrastructure projects while the PPTA concentrates on transportation projects. Amendments to the PPTA took effect in July 2015, requiring additional oversight and risk assessment into Virginia’s P3 process.
Virginia has concluded a number of completed P3 projects, with the majority being in transportation. There are a number of potential P3 projects in the pipeline including a broadband opportunities initiative, statewide special structures, and more transportation projects.
The Mid-Atlantic States and the District of Columbia are committed to improving their infrastructure in various areas and encourage more Canadian companies developing those projects. For additional information please contact Kate Salimi, Kate.Salimi@international.gc.ca.
