SACRAMENTO–On a 4-1 bipartisan vote, the Senate Local Government Committee today approved legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to enable cities in California to save money and time on public construction projects using the efficient design-build process.
Under Wolk´s Assembly Bill 642, all cities would be able to utilize the design build project delivery method and hire a single company to both design and construct public buildings and related infrastructure. This method significantly streamlines the construction process, speeding project completion and containing costs. Existing law only allows the cities in Yolo and Solano Counties, and the cities of Victorville and Stanton, to use design-build contracting practices.
"We´ve seen design build work in the district," Wolk said. "Using this cost-efficient process, the city of Davis built their police station a year ahead of schedule and saved $700,000. The Solano County government center was completed under budget and nine months ahead of schedule using design build. AB 642 will give all cities the chance to reduce costs using design build at a time when city budgets are so strained."
"Design-Build is another tool in the toolbox for local governments to use to manage their construction projects more efficiently. I am pleased that the Legislature is close to extending this authority to cities and sanitation agencies," said Senator Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks), who voted in favor of the bill.
AB 642 also creates a 20-project pilot program for counties, cities, and special districts for the construction of local wastewater, local water recycling or local solid waste management facilities. The pilot has a 10 year sunset.
Among those testifying in support of the bill was Liisa Lawson Stark with the League of California Cities, which is cosponsoring the bill with the Consulting Engineers and Surveyors of California.
"Currently, California´s piecemeal approach to authorizing local entities to use the design-build process has resulted in all counties, but only a very small number of cities, having this authority. This bill will change that," Stark said. "Given California´s fiscal climate, it is prudent to give local governments the option of using a tool that expedites project completion, and will result in stimulating the economy and taxpayer savings. This bill gives local governments that option."
More than 40 cities support AB 642, including Benicia, Dixon, Elk Grove, Fairfield, Suisun City, and Vacaville. The bill is also supported by counties including Sacramento and San Joaquin and a broad coalition of local government organizations including the Regional Council of Rural Counties, Association of California Water Agencies, California Association of Sanitation Agencies, and California State Association of Counties. The bill will next be heard in Senate Appropriations Committee.
Under Wolk´s Assembly Bill 642, all cities would be able to utilize the design build project delivery method and hire a single company to both design and construct public buildings and related infrastructure. This method significantly streamlines the construction process, speeding project completion and containing costs. Existing law only allows the cities in Yolo and Solano Counties, and the cities of Victorville and Stanton, to use design-build contracting practices.
"We´ve seen design build work in the district," Wolk said. "Using this cost-efficient process, the city of Davis built their police station a year ahead of schedule and saved $700,000. The Solano County government center was completed under budget and nine months ahead of schedule using design build. AB 642 will give all cities the chance to reduce costs using design build at a time when city budgets are so strained."
"Design-Build is another tool in the toolbox for local governments to use to manage their construction projects more efficiently. I am pleased that the Legislature is close to extending this authority to cities and sanitation agencies," said Senator Dave Cox (R-Fair Oaks), who voted in favor of the bill.
AB 642 also creates a 20-project pilot program for counties, cities, and special districts for the construction of local wastewater, local water recycling or local solid waste management facilities. The pilot has a 10 year sunset.
Among those testifying in support of the bill was Liisa Lawson Stark with the League of California Cities, which is cosponsoring the bill with the Consulting Engineers and Surveyors of California.
"Currently, California´s piecemeal approach to authorizing local entities to use the design-build process has resulted in all counties, but only a very small number of cities, having this authority. This bill will change that," Stark said. "Given California´s fiscal climate, it is prudent to give local governments the option of using a tool that expedites project completion, and will result in stimulating the economy and taxpayer savings. This bill gives local governments that option."
More than 40 cities support AB 642, including Benicia, Dixon, Elk Grove, Fairfield, Suisun City, and Vacaville. The bill is also supported by counties including Sacramento and San Joaquin and a broad coalition of local government organizations including the Regional Council of Rural Counties, Association of California Water Agencies, California Association of Sanitation Agencies, and California State Association of Counties. The bill will next be heard in Senate Appropriations Committee.
