Faster and cheaper

Design-build on major public construction saves time and money by combining the designing and building in a single contractor. It’s what allowed Gov. Cuomo to put up the new Tappan Zee Bridge ahead of schedule and under budget and it should be the norm.

But this being New York, he needed special permission from the Legislature for the bridge, because design-build is not generally allowed under law due to pressure from unions. A persistent Cuomo got a law passed requiring the MTA to use designbuild on all projects costing more than $25 million. Excellent. And the city has been given special Albany okays for rebuilding the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, repairs on Rikers Island and on Housing Authority buildings. Triple excellent.

So there is every reason for Cuomo to sign a bill sitting on his desk granting the city design-build for works costing more than $10 million. Even though it would only last for three years (typical Albany), the measure is such a good idea that it passed the Senate 61 to 1. The Assembly tally of 132 to 16 was similarly overwhelming.

The fiscal implications on the bill explains it all: “Massive savings on projects costs to the City of New York.”

Cuomo certainly agrees with lawmaker that the city should have this more efficient construction method. And he and his state agencies like the Dormitory Authority and Department of Transportation should also have it as of right without having to get legislative approval each time for every project.