Reconstruction for Assigned Reading - Essay Example

The value of public-private partnership The value of Public-Private Partnerships cannot be over emphasized. PPP’s is effective since they remove politics from the equation and focus on what is useful for the economy. For instance, in transportation projects, PPP’s can be broadened to build new roads, bridges, and tunnels without adding to the Federal deficit. In this setup, a private investor assumes all the responsibilities of running the facility. The PPP’s empower motorists to be consumers of the roadways and thus gives them the power to demand the facilities and services they need.

The beauty of this partnership is that private investors by virtue of shouldering upfront costs have a powerful influence in terms of incentives to ensure timely completion of projects. The overriding factor of the PPP’s is that they have a customer service ethic that government operated roadways lack. These PPP’s enable investors to profit primarily toll revenue, though not highly popular, is better than higher taxes and more government spending. The toll-funded roads are a noble idea since they will primarily regulate congestion on the roads.

By increasing the toll during peak hours and decreasing it during off – peak hours, motorists will save much time since they will not be stuck in traffic. This will in turn reduce stress among motorist and save fuel. This would result in an improved economy. Further, the environment will not be polluted since auto emissions are higher in heavy traffic and significantly lower when traffic eases. Although PPP’s are not new in America, they remain an under-used engine for transportation infrastructure investments.

Greater public education about the economic and environmental benefits of PPP’s is needed while federal action is also needed to encourage states to employ the use of PPP’s in transportation projects.Work CitedGeddes, Richard. Road Tax Alternatives: Pay for Each Mile you Drive. New York: American Enterprise Institute, 2011. Print.