Implementation of the Infrastructure Bond Projects
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Long overdue infrastructure improvements coming to Denver
It has been estimated that it would take nearly $27 million dollars every year to maintain City facilities that everyone needs and enjoys; such as streets, parks and libraries.
Denver has put off needed maintenance of these facilities for a number of years, and then has had to play “catch-up” using bond issues to fix up the city. In November, Denver voters said yes to a property tax increase that will pay for ongoing maintenance of the city’s assets, and to eight bond projects totaling just over $550 million dollars. What will City Council’s role be in the implementation of these projects?
Host Beverly Weaver discusses this topic with City Council President and District 11 Councilman Michael Hancock, District 1 Councilman Rick Garcia, and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Mayor’s Office, Amy Mueller.
What can we expect?
Sixty eight separate projects and programs have been identified by the Infrastructure Priorities Task Force. The City will contract the services of a project management team which will augment City expertise through private partnership. The project management plan will include the monitoring of project readiness, risk mitigation, scheduling, commodity pricing, and timing. In addition, the project management will include the tracking and management of the communication process with Denver citizens. Some project may be beginning as early as mid-year 2008.
The Implementation Team structure
There will be an Executive Committee that will oversee the projects. This committee will include the City Council President, representatives of the Mayor’s office as well as several key City agencies. A Steering Committee will also be formed and will include representatives of City Council and nearly a dozen other City agencies. Public meetings to overview the projects will be scheduled, a web site for information and project tracking will be developed and communication with Denver citizens has a high priority for the Project Implementation Team. A new Council Committee has also been created. The Bond Implementation Committee will be co-chaired by District 1 Councilman Rick Garcia and District 2 Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz.
More Information:
Phone: 3-1-1
On the next edition of Council Matters, join host Beverly Weaver and other distinguished members of City Council to take a look at projects and issues of City-wide importance, and of a high priority to your City Council.