Committee approves bill letting FAA-authorized delivery methods satisfy state procurement for airports

The Senate Committee on Government Organization agreed to a committee substitute for Senate Bill 607 that would expand the types of project delivery methods that may be used for airport development or construction projects funded in whole or in part by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Counsel told senators the substitute "would expand the types of project delivery methods that may be used to procure and deliver airport development or construction projects that are funded in whole or in part by the Federal Aviation Administration" and would deem any method authorized by the FAA to satisfy state procurement requirements. The committee substitute adds a "notwithstanding" clause to make clear that, to the extent other state procurement methods (such as construction manager at-risk, design-bid-build, or design-build) might conflict, the bill would supersede those provisions for applicable FAA-funded projects.

Counsel said the measure comes as a second reference from the economic development committee and that it is supported by the contractors association and Yeager Airport; Andrew Ganno, identified as the chief development officer at Yeager, was present in support. With no amendments offered, the committee agreed to the committee substitute by voice vote and voted to report it to the full Senate with a recommendation that it pass.