Driscoll nominated as new NYSDOT Commissioner

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1 Driscoll nominated as new NYSDOT Commissioner Recent speculation has been confirmed. On April 9, Governor Cuomo officially nominated Matthew Driscoll to take over as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) upon the exit of current Commissioner Joan McDonald. Although his nomination will require Senate approval, expectations are that Driscoll will soon be the new man-in-charge. For more information about Driscoll and related issues he faces, see the Times Union article below. Driscoll would move from another agency to succeed McDonald By Matthew Hamilton Published 9:47 pm, Wednesday, April 8, 2015 The head of the state s environmental project assistance arm is poised to take over the Department of Transportation, a Cuomo administration official confirmed Wednesday. Matthew Driscoll, the state Environmental AP Photo/Mike Groll Facilities Corporation president and CEO, will be nominated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to be his next DOT commissioner following the exit of current Commissioner Joan McDonald. IN THIS ISSUE Driscoll nominated as new NYSDOT Commissioner Long Island scores $400 million for transformative projects LI Business News features op-ed by LICA Executive Director Sources: Budget to extend design-build for two years LICA 2015 Golf Registration In Full Swing! LICA Director Leads LIMBA Power Breakfast Panel on April 17 th Lights, Camera, Action: LICA Board Members in the TV Spotlight LICA 2015 Membership Dinner & Meeting: June 11 th ARTBA s 7 th Annual Transportation Construction Forum Bid Results Driscoll, whose appointment will require Senate approval, was Syracuse s mayor from 2001 to He has led the EFC since 2010, and is currently overseeing the state s appeal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency s disqualification of nearly all of a $500 million loan from the federal Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund to pay for part of the high-priced Tappan Zee Bridge replacement. (Continued on next page) 150 Motor Parkway, Suite 307 Hauppauge, NY Tel: LICA Fax: info@licanys.org

2 2 McDonald was appointed in 2011 at the beginning of Cuomo s first term. Time Warner Cable News reported that she is expected to leave the agency later this year. The shake-up follows a pattern of turnover in Cuomo s second term as he has cycled through staff members and some top-level appointees in favor of new faces. He has changed press secretaries (John Kelly replaced Matt Wing), signed on a new secretary (Bill Mulrow replaced Larry Schwartz), and has had to shuffle in a new director of the Thruway Authority (Bob Megna) and Thruway Authority chair (Howard Milstein) after resignations opened those two posts. Driscoll would take over as DOT grapples with the question of how to maintain aging infrastructure across the state. The state is in the midst of replacing the Kosciuszko Bridge in Brooklyn, its largest project in history at $555 million, trying to figure out what to do with the stretch of I-81 that cuts through the heart of Syracuse, and mounting major local projects that include the replacement of bridges that carry the Northway over Albany Shaker Road in Colonie at Exit 4. DOT also has turned its attention to the influx of oil trains that roll across New York and converge in Albany on the way to refineries. Long Island scores $400 million for transformative projects Updated March 31, :31 PM By YANCEY ROY yancey.roy@newsday.com ALBANY - Tucked into the state budget is a $400 million fund that will go to transformative projects on Long Island and downstate, officials confirmed Tuesday. The specially designated fund compensates the Island for receiving a comparatively slim share of a windfall from national banking settlements, officials said. A day earlier, the Cuomo administration outlined an agreement on how to divvy up the $5.4 billion New York will receive from federal settlements; it earmarked just $150 million for Long Island while delegating much larger sums for upstate development and the Tappan Zee Bridge that spans the Hudson River. But budget bills printed Tuesday revealed a $400 million Transformative Investment Program, that Senate and Assembly officials said would be distributed downstate. It s for Long Island, said one state legislator who asked to remain anonymous because the fund hadn t been officially announced. NOTE: For greater budget detail, see the attached Senate release. Yellow highlights indicate points of regional/industry interest.

3 3 LI Business News features op-ed by LICA Executive Director: Does anyone here have a plan how to spend a half billion dollars on Long Island infrastructure? With regional advocates such as Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos successfully directing at least $500 million in state funds for Long Island infrastructure projects, the challenge is now leveraging those dollars to fund transformative projects and then to manage those assignments from blueprints to ribbon cutting in the most efficient means possible. The task won t be easy. Unfortunately, the challenge is more complicated than it should be because there does not currently exist a Long Island regional plan in which job sites are identified, blueprints drawn with bidding documents ready for review and distribution forwarded to the construction industry. Clearly there are needs for the state funds, but over the years there was no instruction ever given in regards to drafting plans that could be quickly retrieved when the necessary funds were, indeed, found. The challenge isn t where to look for these projects. It s relatively easy to identify the strategic infrastructure opportunities. The importance of strengthening our road network was underscored during a recent poll commissioned by The Long Island Contractors Association which showed that 84% of the respondents believe good roads are essential to job growth and strong property values. It s not only smart public policy. It s smart politics because the LICA poll found that 65% of the respondents would consider voting against an elected official who intentionally doesn t repair roads. But to tackle any of these transformative projects could require a minimum eight months work of bureaucratic effort to draw up the plans once a direction has been determined, and then draft the paperwork required to submit a request for proposal to the construction industry. And that s providing there is no fierce intramural debate over which project gets the half a billion dollars. There needs to be a bi-county, bi-partisan advisory task force that prevents that kind of delay and potential loss of focus by reviewing which projects will bring the best possible rate of return for the region s economy and the strategic protection of its future. The LIA s Kevin Law, Desmond Ryan of the ABLI and the Long Island Planning Council s John Cameron would be excellent arbiters in providing non-binding direction. Failure to do so will mean the hard won allocation of dollars for Long Island s infrastructure could turn a hard fought political win into a hollow victory filled with potholes.

4 4 Sources: Budget to extend design-build for two years Capital New York By Jimmy Vielkind 10:14 a.m. Mar. 31, 2015 ALBANY State lawmakers are set to extend New York s current system of design-build contracting for two years as part of the state budget, four people briefed on the agreement said. The Cuomo administration had sought to make permanent the program, through which construction projects are designed and built by a single contractor or consortium as opposed to letting in-house engineers set specifications. It is favored by business groups and the Associated General Contractors, but opposed by labor groups including the Public Employees Federation and AFL-CIO. Capital first reported last week that administration officials, in the face of resistance, pared their request to a simple extension of the existing program, which is currently in effect for a limited number of state agencies. The people familiar with the agreement said the existing framework would continue for two years despite efforts by labor leaders to insert a requirement to study project labor agreements above a certain threshold for the same agencies, subject to the same cost thresholds.an administration source told Capital that the budget will require a study of the program s effectiveness, to be completed in Late Monday, State Senator Pat Gallivan said an agreement was close. It s expected to be inserted into one of three as-yet-finalized budget bills, which lawmakers hope will be enacted before Tuesday s midnight budget deadline. I don t think we ll see major differences to what exists right now, said Gallivan, an Erie County Republican. NOTE: Since this article was published, the budget was passed with the design-build legislation being extended for 2 years, as expected. LICA 2015 Golf Registration In Full Swing! Registration for LICA s Annual Golf Outing is well underway and spots are filling up fast! If you haven t yet registered, be sure to sign up soon and join us at the Huntington Crescent Club (host) and Huntington Country Club on Monday, May 11. Not a golfer? No problem! Choose the Cocktails/Dinner option and join us that evening at the beautiful Huntington Crescent Club for the fantastic cocktail hour and dinner party, complete with hand-rolled cigars, open bar, 50/50 and other great prize raffles for sale! Certain sponsorships are still available, and start as low as $225. If you d like to sponsor, please contact Sheryl Buro, as soon as possible at: sburo@licanys.org. Visit to download the registration/sponsorship form and flyer.

5 5 LICA Director Leads LIMBA Power Breakfast Panel on April 17 th LICA Executive Director Marc Herbst will lead a panel discussion about Long Island s Infrastructure, sponsored by Long Island Metro Business Action (LIMBA) at the Clarion Hotel In Hauppauge on Friday, April 17 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. (registration begins at 8 a.m.). The two panelists who will join Marc to round out the Roads, Rails & Sewers discussion are: Mitch Pally of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Gilbert Anderson, Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Public Works. For more information, visit Lights, Camera, Action: LICA Board Members in the TV Spotlight LICA Chairman Jim Pratt on News 12 Check out LICA Chairman Jim Pratt, and LICA Partner LIA President & CEO Kevin Law, commenting on the additional infrastructure funding recently approved in the NYS budget. Click here for the video and related article. LICA Member Rason Materials spotlighted in Newsday video Once again, LICA Board Member James Haney of Rason Materials was highlighted in an April 5 Newsday video, which follows the process of pothole repairs from the material to the men who fill them. Click here to watch. LICA Executive Director Discusses Infrastructure Issues on Exit TV 10/55 Marc Herbst was the special guest of Richard Rose on Exit 10/55 this past week, to discuss various infrastructure issues including the need for long term visioning and providing adequate funding so that our roads can be properly maintained. The show originally aired on WLNY TV 10/55 on Sunday, April 12 at 11:30 a.m. LICA Board Member James Haney, III of Rason Materials was also featured in a related segment. If you missed it be sure to check them out online at:

6 6 LICA 2015 Membership Dinner & Meeting: June 11 Mark your calendars! LICA will host our annual Membership Dinner and Meeting on Thursday, June 11 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Woodbury Country Club in Woodbury, NY. Leadership and Partnership awards will be presented to those who have demonstrated continued support and leadership in the region s heavy construction industry. We hope to see you there! ARTBA s 7 th Annual Transportation Construction Forum Several important topics will be discussed at the upcoming Transportation Construction Law & Regulatory Forum presented by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Scheduled for June in Washington, D.C., many of the nation s top construction law attorneys and practice leaders will deliver presentations. Visit for more information.

7 7 Bid Results **Numbers in red represent the winning bid **Highlighted and bold companies represent LICA Members Bid Date Project Name Contractor Bid Amount 3/31/15 Pavement Marking Improv Phase 8 - Various Nassau Co. Owner: County of Nassau Office of Public Works Safety Markings Inc. $ 678,200 Denville Line Painting Company 1,224,250 3/31/15 Mount Sinai Middle School Renovations Owner: Mount Sinai Union Free School District Design Firm: H2M Group Base Bid Pioneer Landscaping & Asphalt Paving Inc. $ 368,400 Fasco Asphalt Paving 391,000 Laser Industries Inc. 418,000 Corazzini Asphalt 428,522 Rosemar Construction 434,800 Gatz Landscaping Inc. 443,900 Suffolk Asphalt Corporation 520,000 Capitol Restoration Corp. 669,000 Add Alt. C1 Suffolk Asphalt Corporation $ 50,000 Fasco Asphalt Paving 54,000 Pioneer Landscaping & Asphalt Paving Inc. 70,560 Gatz Landscaping Inc. 83,900 Corazzini Asphalt 90,000 Rosemar Construction 99,000 Laser Industries Inc. 103,000 Capitol Restoration Corp. 112,500 Total Base Bid w/alt. Pioneer Landscaping & Asphalt Paving Inc. $ 438,960 Fasco Asphalt Paving 445,000 Corazzini Asphalt 518,522 Laser Industries Inc. 521,000 Rosemar Construction 527,800 Gatz Landscaping Inc. 533,800 Suffolk Asphalt Corporation 570,000 Capitol Restoration Corp. 781,500 3/31/15 Rehab of Elevated Storage Tank-Site Piping Improvements Owner: South Farmingdale Water District Design Firm: H2M Group Philip Ross Industries Inc. $ 394,000 Merrick Utility Associates Inc. 399,500 Bancker Construction Corp. 473,000 (Continued on next page)

8 8 Bid Results **Numbers in red represent the winning bid **Highlighted and bold companies represent LICA Members Bid Date Project Name Contractor Bid Amount 3/31/15 4/1/15 Pavement New Roadway Franklin Improv Early Phase Childhood 8 - Various Center Nassau Co. Owner: Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District Design Firm: H2M Group Base Bid Capitol Restoration Corp. $ 297,110 Fasco Asphalt Paving 380,000 Stasi Brothers Asphalt Corporation 385,000 Fort Hill Industries Inc. 391,150 J Anthony Enterprises 459,000 Rosemar Construction 484,000 Adjo Contracting Corp. 484,100 Pioneer Landscaping & Asphalt Paving Inc. 488,719 Total Construction Corp. 498,000 Add Alt. #1 Fasco Asphalt Paving $ 40,000 Capitol Restoration Corp. 86,555 Adjo Contracting Corp. 98,200 J Anthony Enterprises 98,500 Rosemar Construction 98,600 Stasi Brothers Asphalt Corporation 100,000 Pioneer Landscaping & Asphalt Paving Inc. 105,159 Total Construction Corp. 144,000 Deduct Alt. #1 Fort Hill Industries Inc. $ 89,150 Total Fort Hill Industries Inc. $ 302,000 Capitol Restoration Corp. 383,665 Fasco Asphalt Paving 420,000 Stasi Brothers Asphalt Corporation 485,000 J Anthony Enterprises 557,500 Adjo Contracting Corp. 582,300 Rosemar Construction 582,600 Pioneer Landscaping & Asphalt Paving Inc. 593,878 Total Construction Corp. 642,000 4/2/15 4/2/15 4/3/15 4/3/15 Concrete Curbs, Sidewalks & Aprons Owner: Town of Hempstead Laser Industries Inc. $ 2,215,500 Landtek Group Inc. 2,382,000 Jadeco Construction 2,430,000 Storm Water Drain & Road Improve Tinker Drive, Chance Drive Area Owner: Town of Smithtown Richard W. Grim Inc. $ 492,282 Valente Contracting 526,052 Stasi Brothers Asphalt Corporation 532,318 J Anthony Enterprises 544,768 Roadwork Ahead, Inc. 610,575 PSL Industries, Inc. 797,380 Construction of Skillman Street Parking Lot Owner: Inc. Village of Roslyn Delalio South Fork Asphalt $ 117,000 Rosemar Construction 134,360 Pioneer Landscaping & Asphalt Paving Inc. 134,682 Laser Industries Inc. 144,715 American Paving & Masonry 144,825 John McGowan & Son 158,665 PSL Industries, Inc. 176,500 Galvin Brothers, Inc. 192,245 Construction of Old Northern Parking Lot Owner: Inc. Village of Roslyn Galvin Brothers, Inc. $ 288,745 John McGowan & Son 320,000 American Paving & Masonry 393,000 Laser Industries Inc. 493,500 (Continued on next page)

9 9 Bid Results **Numbers in red represent the winning bid **Highlighted and bold companies represent LICA Members Bid Date Project Name Contractor Bid Amount 3/31/15 4/3/15 Pavement Construct Marking Hillcrest Improv Avenue Phase Retaining 8 - Various Wall Nassau Co. Owner: Inc. Village of Roslyn John McGowan & Son $ 139,995 Laser Industries Inc. 148,900 Amma Construction Corporation 154,000 Galvin Brothers, Inc. 173,423 PSL Industries, Inc. 175,400 Capitol Restoration Corp. 257,110 4/8/15 On-Call Milling/Paving & Misc Concrete Work Various Town Roads Owner: Town of North Hempstead Intercounty Paving Associates, LLC $ 1,751,285 Posillico Civil Inc. 2,099,315 Rosemar Construction 2,203,220 Laser Industries Inc. 2,379,520 Pratt Brothers Inc. 2,549,055 John McGowan & Son 2,557,095