Mississippi River Bridge Report on Public-Private Partnerships

January 30, 2006

The Regional Business Council Mississippi River Bridge Task Force:

Task Force Chairman, Bruce Holland, President, Holland Construction Services Douglas A. Albrecht, President, CEO & Chairman, The Centric Group, L.L.C. Michael A. DeCola, President & CEO, Mississippi Lime Company Robert L. Plummer, Chairman, President & CEO, R.P. Lumber Richard A. Sauget, President, East County Enterprises

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Over the last 45 days we have gathered, from some of the leading authorities across the country, information on public-private partnerships commonly referred to as P3 projects. The scope of our study was to evaluate how a public-private partnership might be valuable for leaders in Missouri and Illinois to look at as a potential vehicle to fund the Mississippi River Bridge project.

We are united in our staunch belief that a Mississippi River Bridge is absolutely essential for the further economic development of this region. At the same time, we are aware that limited state and federal resources coupled with the growing demand nationally for this type of funding makes it important for states to look critically at how to creatively fund a project of this scope as effectively and efficiently as possible.

We are sensitive that this will be a politically complex project. However, we are heartened by the outstanding leadership, in both states, who are equally determined to work cooperatively to make sure this bridge is not only built, but built in a timely manner that maximizes value to both states and its citizens.

We hope the information contained in this report will begin earnest discussions and negotiations as to what is the best way to build the Mississippi River Bridge by 2012. Although, we stand ready to be helpful in any way we can in the process, our primary role to date has been to bring new information on public-private partnerships to the project negotiations. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact members of the RBC Task Force.