Albany Watch: New York State's 2011 Legislative session

With Governor Cuomo's delivery of the annual State of the State address on January 5, the 2011 Legislative Session is officially underway. While the economy is showing signs of improvement, 2011 still promises to present great challenges coming off a very difficult year - perhaps the most trying ever - that any governor of the State of New York has had to face. Rising Deficits In August 2010, lawmakers completed one of the latest budgets in New York State history, enacting a $136 billion 2010-2011 budget. It is anticipated that there will be a $9 to $10 billion deficit gap in next year's budget that goes into effect on April 1. Infrastructure Funding Essential The 2011-2012 Budget will be key for our engineering firms in the State of New York. Our new Governor must make the decision to invest capital in the state's roads and bridges, as well as our mass transit needs. Our current infrastructure is aging and greatly in need of repair. Added investment in the state's infrastructure will create jobs and provide better services for New York's 19 million residents, and will help to ensure the state can continue to compete in a global economy. ACEC New York 2011 Legislative Agenda The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC) has chosen to focus on six key priorities for the 2011 legislative session. * Capital Funding that meets NY's growing infrastructure needs - for bridges, tunnels, energy, road, transit, airports and water system * Cost-effective delivery of engineering services through greater use of private design firms * A level playing field for NY's engineering firms by allowing up to 25 percent ownership by non-licensed professionals * Extension of Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) requirements to public authorities and public benefit corporation for higher quality design * Development of a comprehensive energy policy reducing bureaucratic stopgaps and encouraging Cleantech development * Consideration of alternative project delivery methods - Design-build and Public Private Partnerships - to accelerate infrastructure projects, decrease costs and leverage private equity Bill McCarthy is a partner at the lobbying firm Bolton-St. Johns, LLC, a firm that represents ACEC New York.