(August 19, 2010) The California Chamber of Commerce has identified a new “job creator” bill that is estimated to create some 18,000 jobs in the Riverside area, which has been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn.

AB 2098 (Miller; R-Corona) authorizes the Riverside County Transportation Commission to use design-build to construct a portion of State Highway 91, thus putting more jobs on the ground more quickly.

The CalChamber supports the expanded use of design-build and other alternative project delivery methods by the state and local governments. Although design-build is not appropriate in all cases, for instances that do fit, projects can be completed more quickly and at a lower cost than through traditional design-bid-build contracting.

The number of change orders are lessened as is the potential for disagreements and lawsuits among contractors, architects and the local government entity as the project is being built. Essentially, design-build can put more construction and engineering jobs on the ground faster, which is integral to stimulating the state’s economy and rehabilitating the infrastructure network.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office made a series of recommendations, including utilizing a uniform statute for all design-build local government entities and removing any limitations to project costs. The CalChamber supports these proposals and would recommend broadening design-build authority to all local governments—cities, counties and special districts. Design-build is an important tool in local governments’ tool box that can save taxpayers money, get projects completed quickly and get jobs on the ground faster.

Action Needed

AB 2098 is awaiting a vote by the Assembly. Contact your Assembly representative and support for AB 2098.