SB 178 - This act modifies the current law that authorizes the state Highways and Transportation Commission to enter into design-build highway project contracts. Under this act, the current statutory restriction that limits the commission to only entering into three design-build highway projects is removed. The act also removes the current statutory sunset clause which would extinguish the commission's authority to enter into design-build highway projects on July 1, 2012. The act also amends the current bonding requirements relating to design-build highway project contracts. The act specifies the requirements for bid, performance and payment bonds, or letters of credit, must be provided by the design-builder directly to the commission in design-build highway project contracts. Under the act, a bid or proposal bond, cash or certified or cashier's check is still required, but the amount shall be determined by the commission. The performance bond or bonds must be in an amount equal to a reasonable estimate of the total cost of construction work under the design-build highway project contract, unless the commission determines in writing supporting by specific findings that a performance bond or bonds in such amount is impractical, in which case the commission shall establish the amount of the performance bond or bonds.
This act contains an emergency clause.
STEPHEN JOHN WITTE