Fundamentals of public-private partnerships in the transportation sector : international methodologies of highway public-private partnerships and a framework to increase the probability of success and allocate risk

Abstract

In 2009 the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the US infrastructure sector a grade D, based on the current and future needs of the nation's infrastructure and estimates that by year 2020, the US surface transportation deficit will reach $846 billion. Furthermore, in 2013 the US Congressional Budget Office estimates that the main source of highway funding, the Highway Trust Fund, will have insufficient capital to meet its shortfalls by 2015. As defined by the ASCE, infrastructure is the physical framework upon which an economy operates. Without immediate improvement and alternative solutions to fund the crumbling roadway network, the US will continue to struggle to find its way to economic prosperity. This thesis aims to give an overview of how private participation can play an integral role in revamping the US highway network and will outline several of the most important aspects of structuring a successful highway public-private partnership (PPP). Throughout the thesis, PPP is referred to as a long-term contractual agreement between a private entity and a public sponsor to construct and maintain an infrastructure asset. PPP is a complex and potentially dangerous partnership as it can inadvertently put the public at risk; however, it has also proven to be a very successful tool in many countries around the world. By examining the US highway sector and the history of transportation PPP's, this thesis analyzes failed and successful cases, as well as study partnership frameworks implemented in other countries. With this, the thesis attempts to educate stakeholders and spread awareness of how to identify and effectively allocate risks associated with PPP's. If structured and executed appropriately, PPP's will help the stakeholders in highway privatizations reach each of their respective goals and can help rebuild a sustainable highway network throughout the US.