Infrastructure & Technology
ISSUE BRIEF ~ May 2006

Issue/Background
AeA Position
AeA Status/Outlook
AeA Staff Contact

Issue/Background
A once-in-a-generation convergence of forces in California will likely lead to the state investing in major infrastructure improvements on a scale not seen for half a century. Because these stars may not align again any time soon, and because the proposed infrastructure bonds will be sold and paid for over a long period of time, the state should assume that the projects funded by bonds will be the last major infrastructure projects funded for this and likely the next generation of Californians. With that in mind, these projects must be built in such a way as to be relevant far into the future; capable of inexpensively adapting to the technologies that are not even being beta tested today, but will be standard-issue for state workers and public school pupils tomorrow.

AeA Position
AeA emphasizes the importance of thinking into the future when looking to implement such a large statewide infrastructure project. With technological advances being made everyday, California must be sure that its investment will last. AeA believes that by incorporating technology into the proposed infrastructure bond, the projects created by this measure will last for years to come.

AeA Status/Outlook
Building Technology-Ready Infrastructure AeA believes that specific technology issues must be addressed in the bond package in order to get the most out of California’s investment in infrastructure. AeA believes that contracts for infrastructure projects should not simply be awarded based on construction costs alone. California needs to view all projects being considered as a long term investment, and they should be built with their life cycle costs in mind. As technology continues to play an increasing role in our lives, our office buildings, schools, roads and highways need to be built in ways that are adaptable to the ever changing world of technology.

Technology Advancements in Construction In addition to planning California’s projects with their adaptability to new technologies in mind, new and innovative technologies should be used in the planning and construction phases in order to maximize productivity, minimize waste, and ensure that the California taxpayers receive the best possible return on their investment. Building information management (BIM) is an approach to building design, construction and management that enables building architects, engineers, and contactors to collaborate in ways never before possible. The new technology used in BIM brings the flat lines of the blue print off the pages into an advanced database which creates a functional digital model of the project. This enables all involved to see exactly how the building will look, how eventual changes will occur, and will also indicate how much energy will be consumed and what type of impact the project will have on the environment.

Fiber Development Fiber development is essential for both wireless and next generation broadband development. Fiber development is relatively inexpensive if conduit already exists or has been included in new construction. Conduit is the flexible plastic tubing in which fiber optic cable or other telecommunications lines are housed. Without conduit fiber development becomes very expensive and often times require an existing building or road to be torn up and then repaired to lay the tubing.

AeA is prepared and excited about engaging with the Legislature and the Governor in a dialogue about the need to include technology in all infrastructure discussions. The projects that the state will be constructing will be serving Californians for years to come and AeA believes it is essential that these proposals be ready to adapt to the rapid advancement of technology.

AeA Staff Contact
Ed Howard – Contact Lobbyist, Howard Advocacy eh4@sbcgolbal.net

This page was last updated on 10/16/06.  
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