Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

H2−1: Bid Item in the Construction Contract for Public Relations

DESCRIPTION:

Maricopa County includes a bid item in many of its construction contracts to handle public relations on the project. The contract will spell out how many public meetings will be required, the number of newsletters (these may be weekly or monthly) that are to be issued which cover the contractors anticipated schedule and other pertinent information, the operation of a 24−hour hotline to receive complaints or to answer questions about the project, and meetings with businesses or local residents as the need arises.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

The county is aware that construction is a disruption to residents, and feels that they are due an explanation of what is going on and how it affects them. The newsletters give the telephone numbers where the public can obtain information.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

The benefits to this type of program are a vast reduction in the number of complaints that are received. Residents will alter their trips to safer routes and to reduce congestion when they understand the construction schedule. Sometimes information is provided by the citizens that the county was unaware of and should have taken into consideration. Adjustments can be made when necessary.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

All types of projects.

STATE(S) WHERE UTILIZED:

Arizona

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Kent Hamm, Assistant County Engineer, Maricopa County
Telephone: (602) 506−4618

Karen King
Transportation Safety Engineer
Telephone: (602) 379−3645 ext. 125
E−mail: Karen.King@fhwa.dot.gov