Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho that will save taxpayer money on public construction projects was signed today by Governor Murphy.

Governor Murphy signed legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho that will allow more efficient design-build contracts to help complete projects sooner and at lower costs, saving taxpayer money on public construction projects. (Pixabay)

The bill, A-1285, establishes procedures for awarding more efficient design-build contracts that will help complete projects sooner and at lower costs.

“Taxpayers will benefit from meaningful savings on costly public construction and restoration jobs,” said Oroho (R-24). “In New Jersey, with some of the highest taxes in the nation, it is a good thing when the Legislature and Governor agree on a way to cut taxes without reducing services. I am pleased the Governor saw the benefits and has made this bill law.”

Traditionally, public contracts are awarded using a design-bid-build system. Initially, a local government or other contracting unit hires an architect to design the project, then uses a series of separate contractors to complete the build.

The process under the new law allows contracting units to award the entire project to a single company.

“Empowering one entity to manage the operation from start to finish results in a more organized, efficient work flow,” said Oroho. “It is a better process that can help us accomplish more, faster, for less taxpayer money.”