Committee supports Wolk bill to save cities time and money

Legislation enables cities to use efficient design-build construction process

SACRAMENTO–The Assembly Local Government Committee voted 5-0 Wednesday to approve 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.

“The proven design-build method enables government, private industry, and labor to work together more efficiently on construction projects,” said Wolk. “It enables cities to streamline the construction process significantly by hiring one entity to both design and build a project, speeding project completion and containing cost.”

Existing law authorizes only the cities in Yolo and Solano Counties, and the cities of Victorville and Stanton, to employ design-build contracting. AB 642 would allow all cities the option of utilizing the design-build project delivery method for both the design and construction of public buildings and related infrastructure.

The bill also creates a 20 project pilot for counties, cities and special districts that operate wastewater facilities, solid waste facilities, and water recycling facilities for the construction of local wastewater, local water recycling or local solid waste management facilities. The pilot has a 10 year sunset.

In 2005, Wolk authored legislation signed into law that year by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to allow cities in Yolo and Solano counties, with city counsel approval, to enter into design-build contracts for the design and construction of public buildings.

“We’ve seen the design-build construction method work in the district,” Wolk said. “The city of Davis built their police station a year ahead of schedule using the design-build process, saving $700,000. Using the design build concept, the Solano County government center was completed under budget and nine months ahead of schedule. AB 642 will give all cities the chance to benefit from using design build.”

The bill is being sponsored by the Consulting Engineers and Surveyors of CA, and is supported by groups including the League of California Cities, California Association of Sanitation Agencies, and the California Special Districts Association. The bill will next be heard Thursday in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.