Infrastructure projects in the United States can take as long as 10 years to obtain all necessary permits after all issues, including environmental impacts, are addressed.
To speed up permitting, President Donald Trump's infrastructure task force has suggested using the bankruptcy court arbitration process as a model for a revamped approach. Developer Richard LeFrak, who serves on the task force, said under this model one person would be the final word on all project issues, like an arbitrator in bankruptcy cases.
LeFrak told Reuters that the advisory council is proposing a pilot program that would reduce red tape and halt litigation on infrastructure projects. The process would not allow developers to avoid environmental compliance, but would allow differences and objections to be addressed and resolved faster.
Australia, Canada, and Germany typically take two years to approve infrastructure projects compared with 10 years in the United States, LeFrak said.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2022
AISC seeks comments on draft earthquake standard for steel buildings
Includes new limits for cross-sectional slenderness of steel columns based on latest research.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
California’s wildfire building code significantly reduces structural loss
As other states consider upgrading their codes, Golden State provides useful model.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
Regulator holding back climate-friendly, energy-saving equipment deployment, critics say
Heat pumps, solar power could be made more accessible for low-income communities in Massachusetts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2022
Cost hikes drive nearly one million renters out of homeownership qualification in 2021
Household income needed to pay a mortgage rose to $62,872 from $55,186.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Architects at New York firm take steps to unionize
Support for unionization reported at two other New York firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2022
Biden’s executive order for a carbon-neutral government includes green materials mandate
As a driver of demand, federal procurement impact could ripple through the economy.