NEW YORK, NY – Mayor Bill de Blasio is urging NYS Governor Cuomo to sign the NYC Design-Build Act. The legislation would save the City $300 million dollars of 49 key projects slated to be completed.
“Throughout our city, we have serious infrastructure needs that cannot wait for a crisis. It is critical we address these issues right away and in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Design-build authority would save us time and money, meaningless red tape and more libraries, roads, and bridges in communities across our city. Design-Build has been invaluable for the State, it can and should be for the City too.”
Specifically, the NYC Design-Build Act – which passed with unanimous support from New York City members of the State Legislature – would authorize the use of the design-build method for projects undertaken by City agencies, including the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR), the School Construction Authority (SCA), the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), and NYC Health + Hospitals.
“Design-build authorization would save precious taxpayer dollars and allow much-needed repairs to happen more quickly and more efficiently,” said Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik. “The slow pace and exorbitant prices associated with city projects constantly frustrate residents, and any relief would be most welcome.”
If enacted, this legislation would accelerate roof and boiler repairs for NYCHA residents, expedite the opening of libraries, parks buildings, and schools, reduce traffic by enabling the City to complete road, water and sewer projects faster, while also making the City government more efficient. City agencies have identified 49 projects which could benefit from the design-build method.
“Design-build authority allows NYCHA to more quickly and efficiently replace its aging infrastructure—from heating plants to rooftops—and improve residents’ quality of life,” said NYCHA General Manager Vito Mustaciuolo. “On December 10th we issued our first Design-Build RFQ and we’re excited to use this new procurement structure to bring necessary capital improvements to buildings across our portfolio.”
