Bryant Miller Olive's Fred Springer Offers Four Tips for Municipalities and Agencies Seeking Federal Infrastructure Funding
A massive federal investmen t in infrastructure is high on
President Trump’s to-do list for 2017. Around the country, municipalities and government agencies are considering how to get in on what could be as much as $1 trillion in spending.
BMO’s Fred Springer provided guidance for municipalities and agencies as they consider projects for potential federal funding in a column for American City and County, a magazine designed for city, county and state officials charged with developing and implementing government policy, programs and projects.
Springer has worked in both government and private practice and has extensive experience in all stages of public projects, from planning, financing and procurement to delivery and litigation.
His tips include:
- Start developing well-conceived project plans now that connect to the Trump administration’s interests, such as job creation and manufacturing.
- Focus on projects where there is a clear community need.
- Make sure you have a sound project that stands on its own merits.
- Don’t ignore traditional infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges.
His overarching message is that planning ahead is critical, because cobbling together project proposals after federal initiatives take shape won’t work.
Federal officials will be considering hundreds of projects, and sometimes local officials wonder if they should spend time establishing relationships with people who will be in on decision-making. In BMO’s experience, having these relationships is helpful, but won’t make the difference in securing funding.
Instead, focus on planning ahead and understanding what puts a project at the top of the stack. This is what will pay off in the long term.
Read the full article in American City and County here: http://americancityandcounty.com/blog/four-tips-municipalities-and-agencies-they-position-infrastructure-projects-federal-funding
