Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation expanding New York City’s capacity to issue design-build contracts to fast-track construction projects.
The new rules will allow several city agencies to issue a single contract for the design and construction of major infrastructure projects.
“Design-build means less red tape and more new-and-improved libraries, roads and bridges,” New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio wrote in a Dec. 31 tweet. “Now we’ll be able to save time and money on critical projects that truly matter to New Yorkers.”
The city could save hundreds of millions of dollars on upcoming public-works projects, the mayor says.
Crain’s New York Business quoted the mayor as saying that the city had 49 major projects lined up that would use the method—saving at least $300 million. Projects include NYCHA repairs and reconstruction of Belt Parkway bridges.
Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and Sen. Leroy Comrie sponsored the bill.