A new state law requires Gov. Rick Scott to appoint members to a board that oversees public-private partnerships. (Photo via Governor’s Flickr)
By Steve Miller
Florida Center for Investigative Reporting
A new Florida law that took effect July 1 broadened the use of public-private partnerships and created a new taskforce to oversee the arrangements. The legislation required Gov. Rick Scott to appoint the seven-member Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Guidelines Task Force.
But if Scott’s office hit the July 1 deadline to make the appointments, it did so quietly. No announcement was made about the appointments until the Florida Center of Investigative Reporting asked about it Friday. In response, Scott’s office emailed a press release announcing the appointments.
Under the law, the panel is composed of the Secretary of the Department of Management Services and six members appointed by the governor, including one county government official, one city government official, one district school board member, and three representatives of the business community. The panel’s main objective is to “recommend guidelines for the Legislature to consider for purposes of creating a uniform process across the state.”
The legislation extends the former boundaries of these public-private partnerships to entertainment complexes “or any other public facility or infrastructure that is used or will be used by the public at large or in support of an accepted public purpose or activity.”
Public-private partnerships, or P3s, have been present in Florida for a while, primarily used by the Florida Department of Transportation. The bill is seen as a boon for private commercial construction contractors.
The new legislation allows the participation of non-profits, with some caveats. Park projects using public dollars and non-profits must be at least 20 acres, while education works must involve buildings that are at least 90,000 square feet.
The freshly minted panel is required to hold its first meeting by August 31.
Below is the release sent to the Florida Center of Investigative Reporting in response to our queries about the panel:
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Six to Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Guidelines Task Force
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott appointed six to the Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Guidelines Task Force.
Frank C. Attkisson, 57, of St. Cloud, is a County Commissioner in Osceola County. He is appointed for a term beginning August 2, 2013, and ending December 31, 2014.
Sonya C. Little, 47, of Tampa, is the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Tampa. She is appointed for a term beginning August 2, 2013, and ending December 31, 2014.
Andy Tuck, 43, of Sebring, is a school board member for Highlands County. He is appointed for a term beginning August 2, 2013, and ending December 31, 2014.
George M. Burgess, 55, of Pinecrest, is the chief operating officer for Becker & Poliakoff. He is appointed for a term beginning August 2, 2013, and ending December 31, 2014.
Michael H. Olenick, 61, of Palm City, is the vice president of corporate affairs and chief compliance officer of The Morganti Group. He is appointed for a term beginning August 2, 2013, and ending December 31, 2014.
John “Jay” Smith, 39, of Tallahassee, is a vice president at Ajax Building Corporation. He is appointed for a term beginning August 2, 2013, and ending December 31, 2014.