Bill > SB598

This bill expands the ability of local agencies (including cities, counties, and special districts authorized to provide water services) to use the Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) project delivery method for regional recycled water projects or other water infrastructure projects specifically aimed at addressing water supply shortages caused by drought or climate change. Under the CM/GC method, a construction manager is hired to provide services during both the design and construction phases of a project, with the ability to enter into construction service contracts at the same time as or after preconstruction service contracts. The bill authorizes local agencies to use this method upon approval by their governing body, and follows existing procedures with some modifications, such as not requiring a specific reporting requirement. The provisions of this bill will remain in effect until January 1, 2031, and any contracts initiated under this authorization can continue until completion even after that date. The bill also includes a provision that no reimbursement is required for potential local agency costs associated with implementing this new project delivery method. This legislation is part of efforts to provide more flexible and potentially more efficient approaches to addressing water infrastructure challenges in California.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB598