SB3482sam001 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sen. Heather Steans

Filed: 3/3/2010

09600SB3482sam001 LRB096 20595 AJT 37846 a

AMENDMENT TO SENATE BILL 3482

AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend Senate Bill 3482 by replacing everything after the enacting clause with the following:

"Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

Section 5. Public policy and legislative intent.

(a) It is the public policy of the State of Illinois to promote the development, financing, and operation of transportation facilities that serve the needs of the public.

(b) Existing methods of procurement and financing of transportation facilities by transportation agencies impose limitations on the methods by which transportation facilities may be developed and operated within the State.

(c) Authorizing transportation agencies to enter into public-private partnerships, whereby private entities may develop, operate, and finance transportation facilities, has the potential to promote the development of transportation facilities in the State as well as investment in the State.

(d) It is the intent of this Act to promote public-private partnerships for transportation by authorizing transportation agencies to enter into public-private agreements related to the development, operation, and financing of transportation facilities.

(e) It is the intent of this Act to encourage the practice of congestion pricing in connection with toll highways, pursuant to which higher toll rates are charged during times or in locations of most congestion.

Section 10. Definitions.

As used in this Act:

"Approved proposal" means the proposal that is approved by the transportation agency pursuant to subsection (f) of Section 20 or subsection (f) of Section 25 of this Act.

"Approved proposer" means the private entity whose proposal is the approved proposal.

"Authority" means the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

"Competing proposal" means a proposal submitted by a private entity in connection with a proposed transportation project, other than the unsolicited proposal.

"Contractor" means a private entity that has entered into a public-private agreement with the transportation agency to provide services to or on behalf of the transportation agency.

"Department" means the Illinois Department of Transportation.

"Develop" or "development" means to do one or more of the following: plan, design, develop, lease, acquire, install, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, extend, or expand.

"Maintain" or "maintenance" includes ordinary maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, capital maintenance, maintenance replacement, and any other categories of maintenance that may be designated by the transportation agency.

"Operate" or "operation" means to do one or more of the following: maintain, improve, equip, modify, or otherwise operate.

"Private entity" means any combination of one or more individuals, corporations, general partnerships, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, joint ventures, business trusts, nonprofit entities, or other business entities that are parties to a proposal for a transportation project or an agreement related to a transportation project. A public agency may provide services to a contractor as a subcontractor or subconsultant without affecting the private status of the private entity and the ability to enter into a public-private agreement.

"Proposal" means all materials and documents prepared by or on behalf of a private entity relating to the proposed development, financing, or operation of a transportation facility as a transportation project.

"Proposer" means a private entity that has submitted a proposal or statement of qualifications for a public-private agreement in response to a request for proposals or a request for qualifications issued by a transportation agency under this Act, an unsolicited proposal, or a competing proposal.

"Public posting period" means the period of 120 days beginning when the transportation agency has posted the unsolicited proposal publicly on its website and has posted notice of its acceptance of the unsolicited proposal publicly in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within Sangamon County and within the county or counties in which the transportation project is to be located.

"Public-private agreement" means the public-private agreement between the contractor and the transportation agency relating to one or more of the development, financing, or operation of a transportation project that is entered into under this Act.

"Request for proposals" means all materials and documents prepared by or on behalf of the transportation agency to solicit proposals from private entities to enter into a public-private agreement.

"Request for qualifications" means all materials and documents prepared by or on behalf of the transportation agency to solicit statements of qualification from private entities to enter into a public-private agreement.

"Revenues" means all revenues, including any combination of: income; earnings and interest; user fees; lease payments; allocations; federal, State, and local appropriations, grants, loans, lines of credit, and credit guarantees; bond proceeds; equity investments; service payments; or other receipts; arising out of or in connection with a transportation project, including the development, financing, and operation of a transportation project. The term includes money received as grants, loans, lines of credit, credit guarantees, or otherwise in aid of a transportation project from the federal government, the State, a unit of local government, or any agency or instrumentality of the federal government, the State, or a unit of local government.

"Transportation agency" means (i) the Department, (ii) the Authority, or (iii), with respect to an existing airport, an airport authority created and established under the Airport Authorities Act owning and operating the airport.

"Transportation facility" means any (i) new or existing road, highway, toll highway, bridge, tunnel, intermodal facility, intercity or high-speed passenger rail, or other transportation facility or infrastructure, excluding airports, under the jurisdiction of the Department or the Authority, or (ii) any existing airport owned and operated by an airport authority created and established under the Airport Authorities Act. The term "transportation facility" may refer to one or more transportation facilities that are proposed to be developed or operated as part of a single transportation project.

"Transportation project" or "project" means any or the combination of the development, financing, or operation with respect to all or a portion of any transportation facility under the jurisdiction of the transportation agency, undertaken pursuant to this Act.

"Unit of local government" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Article VII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Illinois and also means any unit designated as a municipal corporation.

"Unsolicited proposal" means the first proposal submitted by a private entity to the transportation agency with respect to a particular transportation project, other than a proposal submitted in response to a request for qualifications or a request for proposals.

"User fees" or "tolls" means the rates, tolls, fees, or other charges imposed by the contractor for use of all or a portion of a transportation project under a public-private agreement.

Section 15. Formation of public-private agreements; project planning.

(a) Each transportation agency may exercise the powers granted by this Act to do some or all of develop, finance, and operate any part of one or more transportation projects through public-private agreements with one or more private entities. The net proceeds arising out of a transportation project or public-private agreement undertaken by the Department pursuant to this Act shall be deposited into the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Fund. The net proceeds arising out of a transportation project or public-private agreement undertaken by the Authority pursuant to this Act shall be deposited into the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Fund and shall be used only as authorized by Section 23 of the Toll Highway Act.

(b) A contractor has:

(1) all powers allowed by law generally to a private entity having the same form of organization as the contractor; and

(2) the power to develop, finance, and operate the transportation facility and to impose user fees in connection with the use of the transportation facility, subject to the terms of the public-private agreement.

No tolls or user fees may be imposed by the contractor except as set forth in a public-private agreement.

(c) Each year, at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the transportation agency's fiscal year, and at other times the transportation agency deems necessary, the Department and the Authority shall submit for review to the General Assembly a description of potential projects that the transportation agency is considering undertaking under this Act. Prior to the issuance of any request for qualifications or request for proposals with respect to any potential project undertaken by the Department or the Authority pursuant to Section 20 of this Act, the commencement of a procurement process for that particular potential project shall be authorized by joint resolution of the General Assembly.

(d) Each year, at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the transportation agency's fiscal year, the transportation agency shall submit a description of potential projects that the transportation agency is considering undertaking under this Act to each county, municipality, and metropolitan planning organization, with respect to each project located within its boundaries.

(e) Any project undertaken under this Act shall be subject to all applicable planning requirements otherwise required by law, including land use planning, regional planning, transportation planning, and environmental compliance requirements.

(f) Any new transportation facility developed as a project under this Act, whether undertaken pursuant to Section 20 or Section 25 of this Act, must be consistent with the regional plan then in existence of any metropolitan planning organization in whose boundaries the project is located.

Section 20. Procurement process.

(a) A transportation agency seeking to enter into a public-private partnership with a private entity to develop or operate, or to develop and operate, a transportation facility as a transportation project, except in response to an unsolicited proposal or competing proposal, shall first issue a request for proposals from private entities for some or all of the development, financing, and operation of one or more transportation projects.

(b) Before issuing a request for proposals, the transportation agency may issue a request for qualifications, in which case the transportation agency shall (i) provide a public notice of the request for qualifications for such period as deemed appropriate or warranted by the transportation agency, (ii) set forth requirements and evaluation criteria in the request for qualifications, (iii) determine which private entities that have submitted qualifications, if any, meet the requirements and evaluation criteria set forth in the request for qualifications, and (iv) shall issue requests for proposals only to those private entities determined to meet the requirements and evaluation criteria set forth in the request for qualifications.

(c) If the transportation agency has not issued a request for qualifications under this Section, the transportation agency shall provide a public notice of the request for proposals for a period deemed appropriate or warranted by the transportation agency.

(d) A request for proposals shall:

(1) indicate in general terms the scope of work, goods, and services sought to be procured;

(2) contain or incorporate by reference the specifications and contractual terms and conditions applicable to the procurement and the transportation project;

(3) specify the factors, criteria, and other information that will be used in evaluating the proposals;

(4) contain or incorporate by reference the other applicable contractual terms and conditions; and

(5) contain or incorporate by reference any other provisions, materials, or documents the transportation agency deems appropriate.

(e) The transportation agency shall determine and set forth in the request for proposals the criteria for the evaluation of proposals that are most appropriate for the transportation project. The transportation agency may use (i) a selection process that results in selection of the proposal offering the best value to the public, (ii) a selection process that results in selection of the proposal offering the lowest price or cost or the highest payment to, or revenue sharing with, the transportation agency, (iii) a selection process that results in the imposition of tolls for the shortest period, or (iv) any other selection process that the transportation agency determines is in the best interests of the State and the public.

(f) Based on its review and evaluation of the proposal or proposals received in response to the request for proposals, the transportation agency shall determine which one or more proposals, if any, best serve the public purpose of this Act and satisfy the criteria set forth in the request for proposals and may approve such proposal or proposals. In the case of a proposal or proposals to the Department or the Authority, prior to approving such proposal or proposals, the transportation agency shall submit the proposal or proposals determined to best serve the public purpose of this Act and to satisfy the criteria set forth in the request for proposals to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, which, within 20 days of submission by the transportation agency, shall complete a review of the proposal or proposals and report on the value of the proposal or proposals to the State. Neither the Department or the Authority may approve a proposal until it has received and considered the findings of the report of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

(g) In addition to any other rights under this Act, in connection with any procurement under this Act, the following rights are reserved to each transportation agency:

(1) to withdraw a request for qualifications or a request for proposals at any time, and to publish a new request for qualifications or request for proposals;

(2) to not approve a proposal for any reason;

(3) to not award a public-private agreement for any reason;

(4) to request clarifications to any statement of qualifications or proposal received, to seek one or more revised proposals or one or more best and final offers, or to conduct negotiations with one or more private entities that have submitted proposals;

(5) to modify, during the pendency of a procurement, the terms, provisions, and conditions of a request for qualifications or request for proposals or the technical specifications or form of a public-private agreement;

(6) to interview proposers; and

(7) any other rights available to the transportation agency under applicable law and regulations.

(h) If the transportation agency designates an approved proposer for the transportation project, the transportation agency shall execute the public-private agreement and publish notice of the execution of the public-private agreement on its website and in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within the county or counties in which the transportation project is to be located. Any action to contest the validity of a public-private agreement entered into under this Act must be brought no later than 30 days after the date of publication of the notice of execution of the public-private agreement.

(i) The transportation agency may also apply for, execute, or endorse applications submitted by private entities to obtain federal credit assistance for qualifying projects developed or operated pursuant to this Act.

Section 25. Unsolicited proposals.

(a) Any private entity seeking authorization under this Act to develop or operate, or to develop and operate, a transportation facility as a transportation project, except in response to a request for qualifications or a request for proposals, shall first submit an unsolicited proposal or competing proposal for the transportation project to the transportation agency, receive approval of the transportation agency, and enter into a public-private agreement with the transportation agency.

(b) Within 120 days of the effective date of this Act, the Department shall develop guidelines that establish the process for the acceptance, review, and evaluation of unsolicited proposals by the Department and any other transportation agency, other than the Authority. Within 120 days of the effective date of this Act, the Authority shall develop guidelines that establish the process for the acceptance, review, and evaluation of unsolicited proposals by the Authority.

The guidelines developed by the Department and the Authority each shall establish criteria by which to determine whether or not to accept an unsolicited proposal, a specific schedule for review of unsolicited proposals by the transportation agency, a process for alteration of that schedule by the transportation agency if it deems that changes are necessary because of the scope or complexity of unsolicited proposals it receives, the process for receipt and review of competing proposals, and the type and amount of information that is necessary for adequate review of unsolicited proposals and competing proposals in each stage of review. For transportation projects that have approved or pending State and federal environmental clearances, have secured significant right of way, have previously allocated significant State or federal funding, or exhibit other circumstances that could reasonably reduce the amount of time to develop or operate the transportation facility in accordance with the purpose of this Act, such guidelines shall provide for a prioritized review and selection process.

(c) Any unsolicited proposal or competing proposal shall include the following material and information in connection with the transportation facility to be developed or operated as part of the transportation project, unless waived by the transportation agency in its guidelines or written instructions given to the private entity:

(1) a topographic map (1:2,000 or other appropriate scale) indicating the location of the transportation facility;

(2) a description of the transportation facility, including the conceptual design of such facility and all proposed interconnections with other transportation facilities;

(3) the proposed date for development or operation of the transportation facility or facilities along with an estimate of the life-cycle cost of the transportation facility as proposed;

(4) a statement setting forth the method by which the private entity proposes to secure any property interests required for the transportation facility;

(5) information relating to the current transportation plans, if any, of each affected jurisdiction;

(6) a list of all permits and approvals required for developing or operating improvements to the transportation facility from local, State, or federal agencies and a projected schedule for obtaining such permits and approvals;

(7) a list of public utility facilities, if any, that will be crossed by the transportation facility and a statement of the plans of the private entity to accommodate such crossings;

(8) a statement setting forth the private entity's general plans for developing or operating the transportation facility, including identification of any revenue, public or private, or proposed debt or equity investment or concession proposed by the private entity;

(9) the names and addresses of the persons who may be contacted for further information concerning the proposal;

(10) information on how the private entity's proposal will address the needs identified in the appropriate State, regional, or local transportation plan by improving safety, reducing congestion, increasing capacity, or enhancing economic efficiency; and

(11) such additional material and information as the transportation agency may reasonably request pursuant to its guidelines or other written instructions.

(d) The transportation agency may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs of processing, reviewing, and evaluating an unsolicited proposal or competing proposal, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and fees for financial and other necessary advisors or consultants.

(e) Within 60 days of receiving an unsolicited proposal for a transportation project, but before reviewing, evaluating, or approving the unsolicited proposal, the transportation agency shall determine, based on its guidelines, whether or not to accept the unsolicited proposal for further review and shall promptly notify the proposer that submitted the unsolicited proposal of its decision to accept or to not accept the unsolicited proposal.

(f) If the transportation agency accepts the unsolicited proposal for further review:

(1) Before reviewing, evaluating, or approving any proposal, the transportation agency shall promptly post notice of its acceptance of the unsolicited proposal publicly for further review in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within Sangamon County and within the county or counties in which the transportation project is to be located, shall concurrently post the unsolicited proposal publicly on its website for 120 days, and shall accept competing proposals within such public posting period.

(2) As part of the evaluation of any proposal, the transportation agency shall provide copies of the unsolicited proposal and any competing proposals received to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (but only if the transportation agency is the Department or the Authority), the Department (unless the transportation agency is the Department), and each county, municipality, and metropolitan planning organization in whose boundaries the transportation project would be located; and shall receive and consider any comments submitted concerning the merits of each proposal.

(3) Within 60 days of the end of the public posting period, the transportation agency shall review and evaluate the unsolicited proposal and any competing proposals received within the public posting period. Based on its review and evaluation of the proposal or proposals received in response to the request for proposals, the transportation agency shall determine which one or more proposals, if any, best serve the public purpose of this Act. The transportation agency may determine that a proposal serves such public purpose if:

(A) there is a public need for the transportation facility the private entity proposes to develop or operate;

(B) the transportation facility and the proposed interconnections with existing transportation facilities, and the private entity's plans for development or operation of the transportation facility, are, in the opinion of the transportation agency, reasonable and will address the needs identified in the appropriate State, regional, or local transportation plan by improving safety, reducing congestion, increasing capacity, or enhancing economic efficiency;

(C) the estimated cost of developing or operating the transportation facility is reasonable in relation to similar facilities; and

(D) the private entity's plans will result in the timely development or operation of the transportation facility or its more efficient operation.

In evaluating any proposal, the transportation agency may rely upon internal staff reports prepared by personnel familiar with the operation of similar facilities or the advice of outside advisors or consultants having relevant experience; and shall also consider the extent to which the transportation facility is consistent with the regional plan then in existence of any metropolitan planning organization in whose boundaries the transportation facilities would be located.

The transportation agency may approve the proposal or proposals determined to best serve the public purpose of this Act. In the case of a proposal or proposals to the Department or the Authority, prior to approving the proposal or proposals, the transportation agency shall submit such proposal or proposals to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, which, within 20 days of submission by the transportation agency, shall complete a review of the proposal or proposals and report on the value of the proposal or proposals to the State. Neither the Department or the Authority may approve a proposal until it has received and considered the findings of the report of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability.

(g) In addition to any other rights under this Act, the following rights are reserved to each transportation agency:

(1) to not accept a proposal for any reason;

(2) to not approve a proposal for any reason;

(3) to not award a public-private agreement for any reason;

(4) to request clarifications to any proposal received, to seek one or more revised proposals or one or more best and final offers, or to conduct negotiations with one or more private entities that have submitted proposals;

(5) to interview proposers; and

(6) any other rights available to the transportation agency under applicable law and regulations.

(h) The transportation agency and the approved proposer shall execute the public-private agreement and publish notice of the execution of the public-private agreement on its website and in a newspaper or newspapers of general circulation within the county or counties in which the transportation project is to be located. Any action to contest the validity of a public-private agreement entered into under this Act must be brought no later than 30 days after the date of publication of the notice of execution of the public-private agreement.

(i) For any project with an estimated construction cost of over $50,000,000, the transportation agency must also require the approved proposer to pay the costs for an independent audit of any and all traffic and cost estimates associated with the approved proposal, as well as a review of all public costs and potential liabilities to which taxpayers could be exposed (including improvements to other transportation facilities that may be needed as a result of the approved proposal, failure by the approved proposer to reimburse the transportation agency for services provided, and potential risk and liability in the event the approved proposer defaults on the public-private agreement or on bonds issued for the project). This independent audit must be conducted by an independent consultant selected by the transportation agency, and all such information from such review must be fully disclosed.

(j) The transportation agency may also apply for, execute, or endorse applications submitted by private entities to obtain federal credit assistance for qualifying projects developed or operated pursuant to this Act.

Section 30. Interim agreements.

(a) Prior to or in connection with the negotiation of the public-private agreement, the transportation agency may enter into an interim agreement with the approved proposer. Such interim agreement may:

(1) permit the approved proposer to commence activities relating to a proposed project as the transportation agency and the approved proposer shall agree to and for which the approved proposer may be compensated, including, but not limited to, project planning and development, advance right-of-way acquisition, design and engineering, environmental analysis and mitigation, survey, conducting transportation and revenue studies, and ascertaining the availability of financing for the proposed facility or facilities;

(2) establish the process and timing of the exclusive negotiation of a public-private agreement with an approved proposer;

(3) require that in the event the transportation agency determines not to proceed with a project after the approved proposer and the transportation agency have executed an interim agreement, and thereby terminates the interim agreement or declines to proceed with negotiation of a public-private agreement with an approved proposer, the transportation agency shall pay to the approved proposer certain of the costs incurred by the approved proposer; and

(4) contain any other provisions related to any aspect of the transportation project that the parties may deem appropriate.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Act, a transportation agency may enter into an interim agreement with multiple approved proposers if the transportation agency determines in writing that it is in the public interest to do so.

Section 35. Public-private agreements.

(a) Unless undertaking actions otherwise permitted in an interim agreement entered into under Section 25 of this Act, before developing, financing, or operating the transportation project, the approved proposer shall enter into a public-private agreement with the transportation agency. Subject to the requirements of this Act, a public-private agreement may provide that the approved proposer, acting on behalf of the transportation agency, is partially or entirely responsible for any combination of developing, financing, or operating the transportation project under terms set forth in the public-private agreement.

(b) The public-private agreement may, as determined appropriate by the transportation agency for the particular transportation project, provide for some or all of the following:

(1) Construction, financing, and operation of the transportation project under terms set forth in the public-private agreement, in any form as deemed appropriate by the transportation agency, including, but not limited to, a long-term concession and lease, a design-build agreement, a design-build-maintain agreement, a design-build-operate-maintain agreement and a design-build-finance-operate-maintain agreement.

(2) Delivery of performance and payment bonds or other performance security determined suitable by the transportation agency, including letters of credit, United States bonds and notes, parent guaranties, and cash collateral, in connection with the development, financing, or operation of the transportation project, in the forms and amounts set forth in the public-private agreement or otherwise determined as satisfactory by the transportation agency to protect the transportation agency and payment bond beneficiaries who have a direct contractual relationship with the contractor or a subcontractor of the contractor to supply labor or material. The payment or performance bond or alternative form of performance security is not required for the portion of a public-private agreement that includes only design, planning, or financing services, the performance of preliminary studies, or the acquisition of real property.

(3) Review of plans for any development or operation, or both, of the transportation project by the transportation agency.

(4) Inspection of any construction of or improvements to the transportation project by the transportation agency or another entity designated by the transportation agency or under the public-private agreement to ensure that the construction or improvements conform to the standards set forth in the public-private agreement or are otherwise acceptable to the transportation agency.

(5) Maintenance of:

(A) one or more policies of public liability insurance (copies of which shall be filed with the transportation agency accompanied by proofs of coverage); or

(B) self-insurance; each in form and amount as set forth in the public-private agreement or otherwise satisfactory to the transportation agency as reasonably sufficient to insure coverage of tort liability to the public and employees and to enable the continued operation of the transportation project.

(6) Where operations are included within the contractor's obligations under the public-private agreement, monitoring of the maintenance practices of the contractor by the transportation agency or another entity designated by the transportation agency or under the public-private agreement and the taking of the actions the transportation agency finds appropriate to ensure that the transportation project is properly maintained.

(7) Reimbursement to be paid to the transportation agency as set forth in the public-private agreement for services provided by the transportation agency.

(8) Filing of appropriate financial statements and reports as set forth in the public-private agreement or as otherwise in a form acceptable to the transportation agency on a periodic basis.

(9) Compensation or payments to the contractor. Compensation or payments may include any or a combination of the following:

(A) a base fee and additional fee for project savings as the design-builder of a construction project;

(B) a development fee, payable on a lump sum basis, progress payment basis, time and materials basis, or another basis deemed appropriate by the transportation agency;

(C) an operations fee, payable on a lump-sum basis, time and material basis, periodic basis, or another basis deemed appropriate by the transportation agency;

(D) some or all of the revenues, if any, arising out of operation of the transportation project;

(E) a maximum rate of return on investment or return on equity or a combination of the two;

(F) in-kind services, materials, property, equipment, or other items;

(G) compensation in the event of any termination;

(H) availability payments or similar arrangements whereby payments are made to the contractor pursuant to the terms set forth in the public-private agreement or related agreements; or

(I) other compensation set forth in the public-private agreement or otherwise deemed appropriate by the transportation agency.

(10) Compensation or payments to the transportation agency, if any. Compensation or payments may include any or a combination of the following:

(A) a concession or lease payment or other fee, which may be payable upfront or on a periodic basis or on another basis deemed appropriate by the transportation agency;

(B) sharing of revenues, if any, from the operation of the transportation project;

(C) sharing of project savings from the construction of the transportation project;

(D) payment for any services, materials, equipment, personnel, or other items provided by the transportation agency to the contractor under the public-private agreement or in connection with the transportation project; or

(E) other compensation set forth in the public-private agreement or otherwise deemed appropriate by the transportation agency.

(11) The date and terms of termination of the contractor's authority and duties under the public-private agreement and the circumstances under which the contractor's authority and duties may be terminated prior to that date.

(12) Reversion of the transportation project to the transportation agency at the termination or expiration of the public-private agreement.

(13) Rights and remedies of the transportation agency in the event that the contractor defaults or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of the public-private agreement.

(14) Other terms, conditions, and provisions that the transportation agency believes are in the public interest.

(c) The transportation agency may fix and revise the amounts of user fees that a contractor may charge and collect for the use of any part of a transportation project in accordance with the public-private agreement. In fixing the amounts, the transportation agency may establish maximum amounts for the user fees and may provide that the maximums and any increases or decreases of those maximums shall be based upon the indices, methodologies, or other factors the transportation agency considers appropriate.

(d) A public-private agreement may:

(1) authorize the imposition of tolls in any manner determined appropriate by the transportation agency for the transportation project;

(2) authorize the contractor to adjust the user fees for the use of the transportation project, so long as the amounts charged and collected by the contractor do not exceed the maximum amounts established by the transportation agency under this Act;

(3) provide that any adjustment by the contractor permitted under paragraph (2) of this subsection (d) may be based on the indices, methodologies, or other factors described in the public-private agreement or approved by the transportation agency;

(4) authorize the contractor to charge and collect user fees through manual and non-manual methods, including, but not limited to, automatic vehicle identification systems, electronic toll collection systems, and, to the extent permitted by law, global positioning system-based, photo-based, or video-based toll collection enforcement; and

(5) authorize the collection of user fees by a third party.

(e) In the public-private agreement, the transportation agency may agree to make grants or loans for the development or operation, or both, of the transportation project from time to time from amounts received from the federal government or any agency or instrumentality of the federal government or from any State or local agency.

(f) Upon the termination or expiration of the public-private agreement, including a termination for default, the transportation agency shall have the right to take over the transportation project and to succeed to all of the right, title, and interest in the transportation project, subject to any liens on revenues previously granted by the contractor to any person providing financing for the transportation project.

(g) If a transportation agency elects to take over a transportation project as provided in subsection (f) of this Section, the transportation agency may do the following:

(1) develop, finance, or operate the project, including through a public-private agreement entered into in accordance with this Act; or

(2) impose, collect, retain, and use user fees, if any, for the project.

(h) If a transportation agency elects to take over a transportation project as provided in subsection (f) of this Section, the transportation agency may use the revenues, if any, for any lawful purpose, including to:

(1) make payments to individuals or entities in connection with any financing of the transportation project, including through a public-private agreement entered into in accordance with this Act;

(2) permit a contractor to receive some or all of the revenues under a public-private agreement entered into under this Act;

(3) pay development costs of the project;

(4) pay current operation costs of the project or facilities;

(5) pay the contractor for any compensation or payment owing upon termination; and

(6) pay for the development, financing, or operation of any other project or projects the transportation agency deems appropriate.

(i) The full faith and credit of the State or any political subdivision of the State or the transportation agency is not pledged to secure any financing of the contractor by the election to take over the transportation project. Assumption of development or operation, or both, of the transportation project does not obligate the State or any political subdivision of the State or the transportation agency to pay any obligation of the contractor.

(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the transportation agency may enter into a public-private agreement with multiple approved proposers if the transportation agency determines in writing that it is in the public interest to do so.

(k) A public-private agreement shall not include any provision under which the transportation agency agrees to restrict or to provide compensation to the private entity for the construction or operation of a competing transportation facility during the term of the public-private agreement.

Section 40. Development and operations standards for transportation projects.

(a) The plans and specifications, if any, for each project developed under this Act must comply with:

(1) the transportation agency's standards for other projects of a similar nature or as otherwise provided in the public-private agreement; and

(2) any other applicable State or federal standards.

(b) Each highway project constructed or operated under this Act is considered to be part of:

(1) the State highway system for purposes of identification, maintenance standards, and enforcement of traffic laws if the highway project is under the jurisdiction of the Department; or

(2) the toll highway system for purposes of identification, maintenance standards, and enforcement of traffic laws if the highway project is under the jurisdiction of the Authority.

(c) Any unit of local government or State agency may enter into agreements with the contractor for maintenance or other services under this Act.

(d) Any electronic toll collection system used on a toll highway, bridge, or tunnel as part of a transportation project must be compatible with the electronic toll collection system used by the Authority. The Authority is authorized to construct, operate, and maintain any electronic toll collection system used on a toll highway, bridge, or tunnel as part of a transportation project pursuant to an agreement with the transportation agency or the contractor responsible for the transportation project.

Section 45. Financial arrangements.

(a) The transportation agency may do any combination of applying for, executing, or endorsing applications submitted by private entities to obtain federal, State, or local credit assistance for transportation projects developed, financed, or operated under this Act, including loans, lines of credit, and guarantees.

(b) The transportation agency may take any action to obtain federal, State, or local assistance for a transportation project that serves the public purpose of this Act and may enter into any contracts required to receive the federal assistance. The transportation agency may determine that it serves the public purpose of this Act for all or any portion of the costs of a transportation project to be paid, directly or indirectly, from the proceeds of a grant or loan, line of credit, or loan guarantee made by a local, State, or federal government or any agency or instrumentality of a local, State, or federal government. Such assistance may include, but not be limited to, federal credit assistance pursuant to the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA).

(c) The transportation agency may agree to make grants or loans for the development, financing, or operation of a transportation project from time to time, from amounts received from the federal, State, or local government or any agency or instrumentality of the federal, State, or local government.

(d) Any financing of a transportation project may be in the amounts and upon the terms and conditions that are determined by the parties to the public-private agreement.

(e) For the purpose of financing a transportation project, the contractor and the transportation agency may do the following:

(1) propose to use any and all revenues that may be available to them;

(2) enter into grant agreements;

(3) access any other funds available to the transportation agency; and

(4) accept grants from the transportation agency or other public or private agency or entity.

(f) For the purpose of financing a transportation project, public funds may be used and mixed and aggregated with funds provided by or on behalf of the contractor or other private entities.

(g) For the purpose of financing a transportation project, each transportation agency is authorized to do any combination of applying for, executing, or endorsing applications for an allocation of tax-exempt bond financing authorization provided by Section 142(m) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, as well as financing available under any other federal law or program.

(h) Any bonds, debt, or other securities or other financing issued for the purposes of this Act shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the State or any political subdivision of the State or a pledge of the faith and credit of the State or any political subdivision of the State.

Section 50. Acquisition of property.

(a) The transportation agency may exercise any power of condemnation or eminent domain, including quick-take powers, that it has under law for the purpose of acquiring any lands or estates or interests in land for a transportation project to the extent provided in the public-private agreement or otherwise to the extent that the transportation agency finds that the action serves the public purpose of this Act and deems it appropriate in the exercise of its powers under this Act.

(b) The transportation agency and a contractor may enter into the leases, licenses, easements, and other grants of property interests that the transportation agency determines necessary to carry out this Act.

Section 55. Labor.

(a) A public-private agreement related to a transportation project pertaining to an existing transportation facility shall require the contractor to assume all existing collective bargaining agreement obligations related to employees of the transportation agency employed in relation to that facility.

(b) A public-private agreement related to a transportation project pertaining to a new transportation facility shall require the contractor to enter into a project labor agreement that must include provisions establishing the minimum hourly wage, benefits, and other compensation for each class of labor organization employee and such other terms as are negotiated between the contractor and the labor organizations.

Section 60. Law enforcement.

(a) All law enforcement officers of the State and of each affected local jurisdiction have the same powers and jurisdiction within the limits of the transportation facility as they have in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

(b) Law enforcement officers shall have access to the transportation facility at any time for the purpose of exercising the law enforcement officers' powers and jurisdiction.

(c) The traffic and motor vehicle laws of the State of Illinois or, if applicable, any local jurisdiction shall be the same as those applying to conduct on similar projects in the State of Illinois or the local jurisdiction.

(d) Punishment for infractions and offenses shall be as prescribed by law for conduct occurring on similar projects in the State of Illinois or the local jurisdiction.

Section 65. Term of agreement; reversion of property to transportation agency.

(a) The term of a public-private agreement, including all extensions, may not exceed 99 years.

(b) The transportation agency shall terminate the contractor's authority and duties under the public-private agreement on the date set forth in the public-private agreement.

(c) Upon termination of the public-private agreement, the authority and duties of the contractor under this Act cease, except for those duties and obligations that extend beyond the termination, as set forth in the public-private agreement, and all interests in the transportation facility shall revert to the transportation agency.

Section 70. Additional powers of transportation agencies with respect to transportation projects.

(a) Each transportation agency may exercise any powers provided under this Act in participation or cooperation with any governmental entity and enter into any contracts to facilitate that participation or cooperation without compliance with any other statute. Each transportation agency shall cooperate with each other and with other governmental entities in carrying out transportation projects under this Act.

(b) Each transportation agency may make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of the transportation agency's duties and the execution of the transportation agency's powers under this Act. Except as otherwise required by law, these contracts or agreements are not subject to any approvals other than the approval of the transportation agency and may be for any term of years and contain any terms that are considered reasonable by the transportation agency.

(c) Each transportation agency may pay the costs incurred under a public-private agreement entered into under this Act from any funds available to the transportation agency under this Act or any other statute.

(d) A transportation agency or other State agency may not take any action that would impair a public-private agreement entered into under this Act.

(e) Each transportation agency may enter into an agreement between and among the contractor, the transportation agency, and the Department of State Police concerning the provision of law enforcement assistance with respect to a transportation project that is the subject of a public-private agreement under this Act.

(f) Each transportation agency is authorized to enter into arrangements with the Department of State Police related to costs incurred in providing law enforcement assistance under this Act.

Section 75. Prohibited local action. A unit of local government may not take any action that would have the effect of impairing a public-private agreement under this Act.

Section 80. Powers liberally construed. The powers conferred by this Act shall be liberally construed in order to accomplish their purposes and shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law. If any other law or rule is inconsistent with this Act, this Act is controlling as to any public-private agreement entered into under this Act.

Section 85. Full and complete authority. This Act contains full and complete authority for agreements and leases with private entities to carry out the activities described in this Act. Except as otherwise required by law, no procedure, proceedings, publications, notices, consents, approvals, orders, or acts by the transportation agency or any other State or local agency or official are required to enter into an agreement or lease.

Section 905. The Department of Transportation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 2705-220 as follows:

(20 ILCS 2705/2705-220 new)

Sec. 2705-220. Public-private partnerships for transportation. The Department may exercise all powers granted to it under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

Section 910. The Illinois Finance Authority Act is amended by adding Section 825-105 as follows:

(20 ILCS 3501/825-105 new)

Sec. 825-105. Transportation project financing. For the purpose of financing a transportation project undertaken under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act, the Authority is authorized to apply for an allocation of tax-exempt bond financing authorization provided by Section 142(m) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, as well as financing available under any other federal law or program.

Section 915. The Illinois Procurement Code is amended by changing Section 1-10 as follows:

(30 ILCS 500/1-10)

Sec. 1-10. Application.

(a) This Code applies only to procurements for which contractors were first solicited on or after July 1, 1998. This Code shall not be construed to affect or impair any contract, or any provision of a contract, entered into based on a solicitation prior to the implementation date of this Code as described in Article 99, including but not limited to any covenant entered into with respect to any revenue bonds or similar instruments. All procurements for which contracts are solicited between the effective date of Articles 50 and 99 and July 1, 1998 shall be substantially in accordance with this Code and its intent.

(b) This Code shall apply regardless of the source of the funds with which the contracts are paid, including federal assistance moneys. This Code shall not apply to:

(1) Contracts between the State and its political subdivisions or other governments, or between State governmental bodies except as specifically provided in this Code.

(2) Grants, except for the filing requirements of Section 20-80.

(3) Purchase of care.

(4) Hiring of an individual as employee and not as an independent contractor, whether pursuant to an employment code or policy or by contract directly with that individual.

(5) Collective bargaining contracts.

(6) Purchase of real estate, except that notice of this type of contract with a value of more than $25,000 must be published in the Procurement Bulletin within 7 days after the deed is recorded in the county of jurisdiction. The notice shall identify the real estate purchased, the names of all parties to the contract, the value of the contract, and the effective date of the contract.

(7) Contracts necessary to prepare for anticipated litigation, enforcement actions, or investigations, provided that the chief legal counsel to the Governor shall give his or her prior approval when the procuring agency is one subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor, and provided that the chief legal counsel of any other procuring entity subject to this Code shall give his or her prior approval when the procuring entity is not one subject to the jurisdiction of the Governor.

(8) Contracts for services to Northern Illinois University by a person, acting as an independent contractor, who is qualified by education, experience, and technical ability and is selected by negotiation for the purpose of providing non-credit educational service activities or products by means of specialized programs offered by the university.

(9) Procurement expenditures by the Illinois Conservation Foundation when only private funds are used.

(10) Public-private agreements entered into according to the procurement requirements of Section 20 of the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

(c) This Code does not apply to the electric power procurement process provided for under Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act and Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act.

(d) Except for Section 20-160 and Article 50 of this Code, and as expressly required by Section 9.1 of the Illinois Lottery Law, the provisions of this Code do not apply to the procurement process provided for under Section 9.1 of the Illinois Lottery Law.

(Source: P.A. 95-481, eff. 8-28-07; 95-615, eff. 9-11-07; 95-876, eff. 8-21-08; 96-840, eff. 12-23-09.)

Section 920. The State Finance Act is amended by adding Sections 5.755 and 6z-79 as follows:

(30 ILCS 105/5.755 new)

Sec. 5.755. The Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Fund.

(30 ILCS 105/6z-79 new)

Sec. 6z-79. The Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Fund. The Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Fund is created as a special fund in the State treasury. Subject to appropriation, all money in the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Fund must be used by the Illinois Department of Transportation to supplement funding, as directed in the appropriation, for transportation projects in the State. Any interest earned on money in the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Fund must be deposited into the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Fund.

Section 925. The Public Construction Bond Act is amended by adding Section 1.5 as follows:

(30 ILCS 550/1.5 new)

Sec. 1.5. Public-private agreements. This Act applies to any public-private agreement entered into under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

Section 930. The Public Works Preference Act is amended by adding Section 4.5 as follows:

(30 ILCS 560/4.5 new)

Sec. 4.5. Public-private agreements. This Act applies to any public-private agreement entered into under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

Section 935. The Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act is amended by adding Section 2.5 as follows:

(30 ILCS 570/2.5 new)

Sec. 2.5. Public-private agreements. This Act applies to any public-private agreement entered into under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

Section 940. The Business Enterprise for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities Act is amended by adding Section 2.5 as follows:

(30 ILCS 575/2.5 new)

Sec. 2.5. Public-private agreements. This Act applies to any public-private agreement entered into under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

Section 945. The Retailers' Occupation Tax Act is amended by adding Section 1q as follows:

(35 ILCS 120/1q new)

Sec. 1q. Building materials exemption; public-private partnership transportation projects.

(a) Each retailer that makes a qualified sale of building materials to be incorporated into a "project" as defined in the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act, by remodeling, rehabilitating, or new construction, may deduct receipts from those sales when calculating the tax imposed by this Act.

(b) As used in this Section, "qualified sale" means a sale of building materials that will be incorporated into a project for which a Certificate of Eligibility for Sales Tax Exemption has been issued by the agency having authority over the project.

(c) To document the exemption allowed under this Section, the retailer must obtain from the purchaser a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Sales Tax Exemption issued by the agency having jurisdiction over the project into which the building materials will be incorporated is located. The Certificate of Eligibility for Sales Tax Exemption must contain all of the following:

(1) statement that the project identified in the Certificate meets all the requirements of the agency having authority over the project;

(2) the location or address of the project; and

(3) the signature of the director of the agency with authority over the project or the director's delegate.

(d) In addition to meeting the requirements of subsection (c) of this Act, the retailer must obtain a certificate from the purchaser that contains all of the following:

(1) a statement that the building materials are being purchased for incorporation into a project in accordance with the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act;

(2) the location or address of the project into which the building materials will be incorporated;

(3) the name of the project;

(4) a description of the building materials being purchased; and

(5) the purchaser's signature and date of purchase.

(e) This Section is exempt from Section 2-70 of this Act.

Section 950. The Property Tax Code is amended by changing Section 15-55 and by adding Section 15-195 as follows:

(35 ILCS 200/15-55)

Sec. 15-55. State property.

(a) All property belonging to the State of Illinois is exempt. However, the State agency holding title shall file the certificate of ownership and use required by Section 15-10, together with a copy of any written lease or agreement, in effect on March 30 of the assessment year, concerning parcels of 1 acre or more, or an explanation of the terms of any oral agreement under which the property is leased, subleased or rented.

The leased property shall be assessed to the lessee and the taxes thereon extended and billed to the lessee, and collected in the same manner as for property which is not exempt. The lessee shall be liable for the taxes and no lien shall attach to the property of the State.

For the purposes of this Section, the word "leases" includes licenses, franchises, operating agreements and other arrangements under which private individuals, associations or corporations are granted the right to use property of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority and includes all property of the Authority used by others without regard to the size of the leased parcel.

(b) However, all property of every kind belonging to the State of Illinois, which is or may hereafter be leased to the Illinois Prairie Path Corporation, shall be exempt from all assessments, taxation or collection, despite the making of any such lease, if it is used for:

(1) conservation, nature trail or any other charitable, scientific, educational or recreational purposes with public benefit, including the preserving and aiding in the preservation of natural areas, objects, flora, fauna or biotic communities;

(2) the establishment of footpaths, trails and other protected areas;

(3) the conservation of the proper use of natural resources or the promotion of the study of plant and animal communities and of other phases of ecology, natural history and conservation;

(4) the promotion of education in the fields of nature, preservation and conservation; or

(5) similar public recreational activities conducted by the Illinois Prairie Path Corporation.

No lien shall attach to the property of the State. No tax liability shall become the obligation of or be enforceable against Illinois Prairie Path Corporation.

(c) If the State sells the James R. Thompson Center or the Elgin Mental Health Center and surrounding land located at 750 S. State Street, Elgin, Illinois, as provided in subdivision (a)(2) of Section 7.4 of the State Property Control Act, to another entity whose property is not exempt and immediately thereafter enters into a leaseback or other agreement that directly or indirectly gives the State a right to use, control, and possess the property, that portion of the property leased and occupied exclusively by the State shall remain exempt under this Section. For the property to remain exempt under this subsection (c), the State must retain an option to purchase the property at a future date or, within the limitations period for reverters, the property must revert back to the State.

If the property has been conveyed as described in this subsection (c), the property is no longer exempt pursuant to this Section as of the date when:

(1) the right of the State to use, control, and possess the property has been terminated; or

(2) the State no longer has an option to purchase or otherwise acquire the property and there is no provision for a reverter of the property to the State within the limitations period for reverters.

Pursuant to Sections 15-15 and 15-20 of this Code, the State shall notify the chief county assessment officer of any transaction under this subsection (c). The chief county assessment officer shall determine initial and continuing compliance with the requirements of this Section for tax exemption. Failure to notify the chief county assessment officer of a transaction under this subsection (c) or to otherwise comply with the requirements of Sections 15-15 and 15-20 of this Code shall, in the discretion of the chief county assessment officer, constitute cause to terminate the exemption, notwithstanding any other provision of this Code.

(c-1) If the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority sells the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority headquarters building and surrounding land, located at 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois as provided in subdivision (a)(2) of Section 7.5 of the State Property Control Act, to another entity whose property is not exempt and immediately thereafter enters into a leaseback or other agreement that directly or indirectly gives the State or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority a right to use, control, and possess the property, that portion of the property leased and occupied exclusively by the State or the Authority shall remain exempt under this Section. For the property to remain exempt under this subsection (c), the Authority must retain an option to purchase the property at a future date or, within the limitations period for reverters, the property must revert back to the Authority.

If the property has been conveyed as described in this subsection (c), the property is no longer exempt pursuant to this Section as of the date when:

(1) the right of the State or the Authority to use, control, and possess the property has been terminated; or

(2) the Authority no longer has an option to purchase or otherwise acquire the property and there is no provision for a reverter of the property to the Authority within the limitations period for reverters.

Pursuant to Sections 15-15 and 15-20 of this Code, the Authority shall notify the chief county assessment officer of any transaction under this subsection (c). The chief county assessment officer shall determine initial and continuing compliance with the requirements of this Section for tax exemption. Failure to notify the chief county assessment officer of a transaction under this subsection (c) or to otherwise comply with the requirements of Sections 15-15 and 15-20 of this Code shall, in the discretion of the chief county assessment officer, constitute cause to terminate the exemption, notwithstanding any other provision of this Code.

(d) The fair market rent of each parcel of real property in Will County owned by the State of Illinois for the purpose of developing an airport by the Department of Transportation shall include the assessed value of leasehold tax. The lessee of each parcel of real property in Will County owned by the State of Illinois for the purpose of developing an airport by the Department of Transportation shall not be liable for the taxes thereon. In order for the State to compensate taxing districts for the leasehold tax under this paragraph the Will County Supervisor of Assessments shall certify, in writing, to the Department of Transportation, the amount of leasehold taxes extended for the 2002 property tax year for each such exempt parcel. The Department of Transportation shall pay to the Will County Treasurer, from the Tax Recovery Fund, on or before July 1 of each year, the amount of leasehold taxes for each such exempt parcel as certified by the Will County Supervisor of Assessments. The tax compensation shall terminate on December 31, 2020. It is the duty of the Department of Transportation to file with the Office of the Will County Supervisor of Assessments an affidavit stating the termination date for rental of each such parcel due to airport construction. The affidavit shall include the property identification number for each such parcel. In no instance shall tax compensation for property owned by the State be deemed delinquent or bear interest. In no instance shall a lien attach to the property of the State. In no instance shall the State be required to pay leasehold tax compensation in excess of the Tax Recovery Fund's balance.

(e) Public Act 81-1026 applies to all leases or agreements entered into or renewed on or after September 24, 1979.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section, all property owned by the State or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority that is defined as a transportation project under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act and that is used for transportation purposes and that is leased for those purposes to another entity whose property is not exempt shall remain exempt, and any leasehold interest in the property shall not be subject to taxation under Section 9-195 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07; 96-192, eff. 8-10-09.)

(35 ILCS 200/15-195 new)

Sec. 15-195. Exemption for qualified airport leased property. Notwithstanding anything in this Code to the contrary, all property owned by an airport authority created and established under the Airport Authorities Act shall remain exempt from taxation and any leasehold interest in that property is not subject to taxation under Section 9-195 if that property is used for transportation purposes as part of a transportation project undertaken pursuant to Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act and is leased to another entity whose property is not exempt.

Section 955. The Toll Highway Act is amended by adding Section 11.1 as follows:

(605 ILCS 10/11.1 new)

Sec. 11.1. Public-private partnerships. The Authority may exercise all powers granted to it under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act.

Section 965. The Prevailing Wage Act is amended by changing Section 2 as follows:

(820 ILCS 130/2) (from Ch. 48, par. 39s-2)

Sec. 2. This Act applies to the wages of laborers, mechanics and other workers employed in any public works, as hereinafter defined, by any public body and to anyone under contracts for public works. This includes any maintenance, repair, assembly, or disassembly work performed on equipment whether owned, leased, or rented.

As used in this Act, unless the context indicates otherwise:

"Public works" means all fixed works constructed or demolished by any public body, or paid for wholly or in part out of public funds. "Public works" as defined herein includes all projects financed in whole or in part with bonds, grants, loans, or other funds made available by or through the State or any of its political subdivisions, including but not limited to: bonds issued under the Industrial Project Revenue Bond Act (Article 11, Division 74 of the Illinois Municipal Code), the Industrial Building Revenue Bond Act, the Illinois Finance Authority Act, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority Act, or the Build Illinois Bond Act; loans or other funds made available pursuant to the Build Illinois Act; or funds from the Fund for Illinois' Future under Section 6z-47 of the State Finance Act, funds for school construction under Section 5 of the General Obligation Bond Act, funds authorized under Section 3 of the School Construction Bond Act, funds for school infrastructure under Section 6z-45 of the State Finance Act, and funds for transportation purposes under Section 4 of the General Obligation Bond Act. "Public works" also includes all projects financed in whole or in part with funds from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under the Illinois Renewable Fuels Development Program Act for which there is no project labor agreement and (ii) all projects undertaken under a public-private agreement under the Public-Private Partnerships for Transportation Act. "Public works" also includes all projects at leased facility property used for airport purposes under Section 35 of the Local Government Facility Lease Act. "Public works" also includes the construction of a new wind power facility by a business designated as a High Impact Business under Section 5.5(a)(3)(E) of the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act. "Public works" does not include work done directly by any public utility company, whether or not done under public supervision or direction, or paid for wholly or in part out of public funds. "Public works" does not include projects undertaken by the owner at an owner-occupied single-family residence or at an owner-occupied unit of a multi-family residence.

"Construction" means all work on public works involving laborers, workers or mechanics. This includes any maintenance, repair, assembly, or disassembly work performed on equipment whether owned, leased, or rented.

"Locality" means the county where the physical work upon public works is performed, except (1) that if there is not available in the county a sufficient number of competent skilled laborers, workers and mechanics to construct the public works efficiently and properly, "locality" includes any other county nearest the one in which the work or construction is to be performed and from which such persons may be obtained in sufficient numbers to perform the work and (2) that, with respect to contracts for highway work with the Department of Transportation of this State, "locality" may at the discretion of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation be construed to include two or more adjacent counties from which workers may be accessible for work on such construction.

"Public body" means the State or any officer, board or commission of the State or any political subdivision or department thereof, or any institution supported in whole or in part by public funds, and includes every county, city, town, village, township, school district, irrigation, utility, reclamation improvement or other district and every other political subdivision, district or municipality of the state whether such political subdivision, municipality or district operates under a special charter or not.

The terms "general prevailing rate of hourly wages", "general prevailing rate of wages" or "prevailing rate of wages" when used in this Act mean the hourly cash wages plus fringe benefits for training and apprenticeship programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, health and welfare, insurance, vacations and pensions paid generally, in the locality in which the work is being performed, to employees engaged in work of a similar character on public works.

(Source: P.A. 95-341, eff. 8-21-07; 96-28, eff. 7-1-09; 96-58, eff. 1-1-10; 96-186, eff. 1-1-10; revised 8-20-09.)

Section 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.".