STATEHOUSE —Legislation authored by State Rep. Rhonda Rhoads (R-Corydon) regarding the design-build contracting method for public projects made it through the final stage of legislative procedure as it passed out of the Indiana Senate today. In a design-build contracting method, both the design and construction project portions are agreed upon and integrated into one contract. House Bill (HB) 1016 would allow for fire protection districts to be able to utilize the design-build contracting method for public projects. Current law allows for the use of design-build contracting method for various governmental units, but does not extend to fire protection districts. “Utilizing the design-build contracting method is a financially-sound way to conduct business,” said Rep. Rhoads. “Fire protection districts should have the opportunity to use this method for public projects because they operate as a unit of government. In the end, it will streamline the process and save taxpayers money.” HB 1016 was not altered or changed while being discussed in the Senate. Therefore, it now heads to the governor’s office for his signature. If signed into law, HB 1016 will go into effect on July 1, 2012. -30- |
