We will pursue the passage of joint bidding legislation
When the City undertakes a construction project that involves tearing up the street, each affected utility is responsible for protecting its own cables and other infrastructure. Improved coordination between City contractors and the utilities will result in fewer delays and lower costs.

Joint bidding enables a single contract to cover all the work associated with a project. The City will support joint bidding legislation citywide to allow for fair competitive bidding and more seamless project planning, resulting in fewer street openings and lower costs to the public.

In addition, the City will review its policies governing the utilities' ability to open up the street for regular maintenance and repairs. This analysis will identify any unnecessary delays that prevent utilities from undertaking essential improvements such as installing new cables and transformers in a timely manner. We will also look to pilot new models to improve coordination among developers of underground infrastructure, such as the use of a multi-utility tunnel which allocates space for each utility with designated access points. (See graphic on facing page: Multi-Utility Tunnel)

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
NYCEDC has hired a joint venture between PB Americas and Urbitran Associates to conduct a comprehensive street management plan to generate short, medium, and long-term solutions to better coordinate right-of-way procedures and reduce street closures. The Consultant team has begun interviewing stakeholders from the utilities as well as government agencies. Coordination on consultant effort is being led by City DOT.

We will ensure adequate pier facilities are available to Con Edison to offload transformers and other equipment
Transformers and other heavy equipment needed to maintain New York's energy infrastructure are often delivered via the waterways. This equipment is then offloaded at pier facilities throughout the city. Sites must be capable of handling heavy loads and provide access to acceptable transportation routes to assure prompt and safe delivery of the equipment. In order to maintain and upgrade the reliability of the electric system, it is essential that Con Edison have access to specific dock facilities to offload this equipment during both emergencies and during the regular course of business. This is particularly critical in areas where there is a regular need to install, replace or remove equipment and Con Edison does not own its own waterfront property.

For this reason, the City will work with Con Edison to identify specific critical sites and maintain open access for delivery of equipment along the waterfront.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
NYCEDC will set up a working group with Con Edison, KeySpan/National Grid, generators, NYCEDC Asset Management, Energy and Maritime divisions to ensure adequate access to the piers.