Pennsylvania and other states have accumulated hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure needs. In the current economic crisis, with traditional funding mechanisms failing, states need new sources of money. Public-private partnerships, although controversial, are certain to be part of the debate. Billion-dollar payments are attractive and can facilitate substantial infrastructure investments. But before state policy makers hand over control of valuable assets to private operators, they must think critically and find clear, data-driven answers to a range of important short-and long-term questions. Public safety, residents' quality of life and states' ability to attract businesses and compete in the global economy all depend on it.