In an exciting development for the construction and design industry in Texas, Senate Bill 553, pre-filed by Representative Peter Flores (R-24), proposes to reshape how water and wastewater (W/WW) projects are delivered across municipalities of all sizes. This legislation marks a significant shift from the current restrictive policies, fostering a more inclusive and innovative approach to infrastructure development.
Overview of SB 553
Current legislation restricts the use of the design-build method on W/WW projects to municipalities with populations exceeding 100,000, excluding smaller communities from leveraging this efficient project delivery method. Furthermore, it does not allow for the use of Progressive Design-Build, a model that enhances collaboration between owners and builders from the project's inception, potentially reducing costs and improving project outcomes.
SB 553 seeks to eliminate these barriers by:
Removing the population threshold, allowing all municipalities, regardless of size, to opt for design-build methods.
Authorizing the use of Progressive Design-Build, providing flexibility and potentially reducing risks and costs associated with W/WW projects.
Why Support SB 553?
The proposed changes are more than legislative adjustments; they are essential enhancements that could significantly improve how W/WW infrastructure projects are delivered across Texas. By removing the population limit and incorporating Progressive Design-Build:
Smaller Municipalities Gain Access: Smaller towns and cities can adopt a more streamlined project delivery approach that was previously only accessible to larger municipalities.
Increased Flexibility and Efficiency: Progressive Design-Build allows for better cost and schedule control, which can be particularly beneficial in managing complex W/WW projects.
Broader Application: Expanding the eligibility for design-build projects encourages innovation and can lead to more sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.
DBIA's Position
DBIA ardently supports SB 553, recognizing its profound impact on improving infrastructure development throughout Texas. This bill is a crucial step toward modernizing project delivery in the W/WW sector by integrating more inclusive, efficient, and innovative construction methods.
What's Next?
SB 553 has been pre-filed and will be heard in the upcoming 2025 legislative session which begins on January 14. As the process unfolds, DBIA-SW will actively monitor developments and advocate for the bill's passage. We encourage all stakeholders in the design-build community to support this legislative effort.
Conclusion
SB 553 presents an exciting opportunity to redefine project delivery standards for W/WW projects in Texas. By supporting this bill, we can ensure that all communities, regardless of size, have access to the tools necessary to develop robust, cost-effective infrastructure. Join us in supporting SB 553 and making a lasting impact on Texas's infrastructure landscape.
Learn More
To follow the progress of SB 553 or for more details, visit the official Texas Legislature website at Texas Legislature Online. For further inquiries or to understand how these changes might affect your community, contact Richard Thomas at rthomas@dbia.org.