More than 150 transportation construction industry leaders from across the country participated in the American Road and Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) 15th Annual Public-Private Ventures (PPV) in Transportation Conference, held Oct. 22 and 23 in Washington, D.C.

The event showcased the latest information on private participation in transportation infrastructure financing.

Topics covered during the two-day event: new approaches to toll roads, project opportunities in international markets, an analysis of the innovative financing provisions in the Bush Administration’s “Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century” (SAFETEA) proposal, a congressional staff panel discussion on TEA-21 reauthorization and the potential impact on innovative financing legislation, future funding for passenger and freight rail and an examination of federal design-build and National Environmental Policy Act regulations.

It also included the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) workshop on innovative finance.

The conference featured a speech by Senator Jim Talent (R-MO), who discussed the importance of using innovative financing measures as an additive to the traditional means of financing transportation improvement projects and outlined the goals in his “Build America Bonds” legislative proposal. Federal Transit Administrator Allan Rutter also highlighted several major transit projects currently being built with public and private sector funds.

Entrepreneur Awards

During the conference, ARTBA also awarded the 2003 PPV “Entrepreneur of the Year Awards” to Geoff Yarema, a partner with Nossaman, Guthner, Knox & Elliott, LLP, Los Angeles, CA; and Suzanne Sale, financial program specialist with FHWA in Phoenix, AZ.

The awards are presented annually to individuals from he public and private sectors who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion of public-private partnerships that advance transportation infrastructure improvements.

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