"Governor Brown signs AB 720, Road Commissioner Reform Bill, into Law"

CIFAC received word from the Governor's office on Sunday evening, October 9th, that the Governor signed AB 720, CIFAC's Road Commissioner Reform bill into law.  CIFAC President Dave McCosker said: "Congratulations and thanks to all of you who helped get this very important piece of legislation through the process.  Special thanks goes to CIFAC's Legislative Advocate, Eddie Bernacchi who, together with Jose Mejia, representing the Laborers, and Dave Ackerman, representing AGC, brought the strength of the industry together by working with county officials to create this win-win outcome. CIFAC Board members and staff worked diligently to get the word out to the legislature and Governor to support AB 720."

According to Executive Director Cathryn Hilliard, "we can celebrate the fact that millions of dollars in additional county roadwork will go out to bid.  This legislation was so important that it helped build one of the strongest coalitions of contractors and labor organizations on a single issue we've seen in recent times."

AB 720 (Hall) reflects the culmination of over four years of work with all parties involved to positively address the use of the “Road Commissioner” authority while still allowing counties the flexibility they need to maintain California’s county road systems. The fact that the construction industry, counties, and public employee unions have reached an agreement on what has been such a continuous, contentious issue is a credit to the legislative process and those who work within it.

This measure provides enhanced flexibility to county governments by raising the force account limit within the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Act, places accountability on the use of the “Road Commissioner” authority on counties who are members of the Act and allows for a year-long phase in period to prepare for compliance with the Act’s new provisions by taking affect January 1, 2013.  The bill also provides opportunities for construction contractors to bid on county highway construction and reconstruction projects and grants greater transparency and accountability to the public regarding the use of their tax dollars. For more information call 1-800-755-3354.

California Budget Woes May Bring More Work to the Industry

CIFAC has just heard that in cutting some items from the 2011-2012 Budget, the California Construction Authority (CCA) has had its funding eliminated as of June 30, 2011.  The CCA was formed as a result of a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) to design, manage and provide construction services to the California District Fair Association. 

Last year, CIFAC investigated a project in Mendocino County where nearly $300,000 worth of work was done by CCA with day labor and self-staffing instead of contractors through competitive bidding.  The JPA was able to work outside of the California Public Contract Code and thus the $25,000 bid threshold for County Fairs could not be enforced.  With the Authority closing its doors, CIFAC has been asked to be part of the discussion relating to compliance with the code.  Keep an eye out for increased bidding opportunities at the District Fairs in your area, as we are now able to be proactive. CIFAC works as a resource helping the industry secure more work.

A big thank you goes to our network members for providing information about the closure of CCA.