Enacts to Spackenkill union free school district public contruction flexibility demonstration project act

Title of bill

An act to enact the "Spackenkill union free school district public construction flexibility demonstration project act" to facilitate expedition of the Spackenkill union free school district renovation project

Purpose

To allow the Spackenkill Central School District construct project to be undertaken in the most effective, timely and coordinated manner possible.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 sets forth the title of the act.

Section 2 provides the legislative intent to allow the Spackenkill Union Free School District to engage in construction methods which have been proven to save time, money and public resources in other parts of the State, while providing proper safeguards against limited competition, corruption and inadequate quality construction.

Section 3 sets forth relevant definitions.

Section 4 provides that contracts entered into for the Spackenkill Union Free School District construction project shall be governed by Section 5 of this act and not Section 101 of the General Municipal Law.

Section 5 authorizes the Spackenkill Union Free School District to utilize the single guaranteed maximum price general contract or the full construction management contract for the project and sets forth procedures for bidding and payment.

Section 6 provides that nothing in the act shall prevent the school district from commencing an interpleader action to determine entitlement to disputed payment.

Section 7 provides that the project shall be subject to review and approval by the State Education Department pursuant to the Education Law.

Section 8 provides that the act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

This bill would relieve the Spackenkill Union Free School District from having to comply with Section 101 of the General Municipal Law for its $13,934,000 building project. This project consists of renovations and expansion of the Spackenkill High School. This bill would authorize the district to utilize a single guaranteed maximum price general contract or a full construction management contract, rather than having the work split between multiple prime contractors, as the Wicks law requires. In addition to improving the coordination of the work involved in this project, it is also anticipated that the school district will realize substantial savings. Additionally, the State also will realize savings through this bill as the project will not require as much reimbursement in building aid as it otherwise would.

Legislative history

New bill. However, several school districts, including the New York City Construction Authority have been granted Wicks exemptions.

Fiscal implications

Savings to the State

Local fiscal implications

Savings to the school district estimated from 10% to 30%, allowing the district to realize a savings of roughly $1.39 million and $4.18 million.

Effective date

Immediately.