The preceding provides a framework to aid the regulator in the design of a successful and sustaining Public Private Partnership process. But to be truly effective in achieving his goals, the regulator must learn the lessons from the PPP projects which have gone before his efforts. Public Private Partnerships provide Government with another tool in its tool box to meet infrastructure needs that The American Society of Civil Engineers' 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure gave a failing mark of D. Effectively designed and regulated, PPP's can help address the downward trend in the condition of our infrastructure and help government's limited resources go further, faster.
The opportunity is great, but success for PPPs in the US hinges on a robust framework and an effective regulatory environment - one which both provides opportunity while protecting government's longer term interests. Such frameworks are achievable and building on the expertise and lessons learned elsewhere, can be adapted for the unique features of the US governmental, market, financing and tax climates. The Regulator's role, and the decisions he makes, are critical.
About the Author:
Robert Prieto is a senior executive with a proven record of leading and sustaining revenue and earnings growth globally. He is a prominent leader within the engineering and construction industry known for being particularly effective in both shaping and executing business strategy.
As senior vice president for Fluor, Prieto leads strategic planning and marketing for the industrial and infrastructure group and focuses on the development and delivery of large, complex projects worldwide. In addition, as a member of Fluor's Sales Council, he provides senior level marketing support to other groups.
Prior to joining Fluor, Bob served as chairman of Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc, a global company with more than 9,200 employees working from more than 200 corporate and project offices on six continents. Prieto was head of PB's board of directors with responsibility for overseeing management performance, establishing top-level policies, and ensuring the firm's continued long term success.
Prieto holds a master of science in nuclear engineering from Polytechnic University of New York and a bachelor of science in nuclear engineering from New York University.