Congressman DeSaulnier Introduces Bi-partisan Legislation to Improve Accountability & Oversight of Megaprojects

Press Release

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) introduced bi-partisan legislation to improve accountability and oversight of so-called "megaprojects." The "Transportation Megaprojects Accountability and Oversight Act" (H.R. 4228) would establish an independent peer review group to assess the quality assurance, cost containment, and risk management of federal highway and transportation projects that cost over $2.5 billion. While current law requires financial reporting requirements for projects costing more than $500 million, no additional oversight mechanisms exist for large, complex megaprojects.

"Large infrastructure projects are vital to our country's development and its economic growth. Yet, nine out of every 10 megaprojects experience cost overruns and many suffer significant delays that cost taxpayers millions of additional dollars. We're building large scale projects all across the country and we should have both the benefit of lessons learned from existing projects and an independent outside analysis of future endeavors. The public deserves a system that manages costs, foresees risks, and holds decision-makers accountable," said Congressman DeSaulnier.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source