Privatization improves public performance

摘要

Public-private infrastructure partnerships have saved taxpayers $7.2 billion over the last five years, according to the Reason Foundation, because even when government keeps work the competitive bidding process improves efficiency and reduces costs. "Leaders of all political stripes recognize privatization is a proven policy tool that can help save money and balance budgets," says Leonard Gilroy, director of government reform for the nonprofit, free-market think tank and author of the 22nd Annual Privatization Report, which analyzes trends at the federal, state, and local levels. With 23 states facing potential budget deficits in fiscal 2009, arrangements that allow the public sector to retain ownership of an infrastructure asset but relieve it of the financial burden of maintenance are becoming increasingly tempting. More than 70 public-private partnership transportation projects worth $104 billion are in various stages of development nationwide. Gov. Ed Ren-dell has accepted a $12.8 billion bid to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which would be the biggest toll road privatization in U.S. history.