Dentons, the leading global law firm, today released a comprehensive report, "US Infrastructure Maximizing the benefits of private participation," which examines the qualities of the most successful US public-private partnerships (PPP). The report shows that by leveraging all of the skills and assets available when establishing a PPP, the incentives for both sides increase and the associated risks diminish.

Led by Dentons' partner and Transportation and Infrastructure group global co-leader Philip R. White, the report was produced in partnership with Columbia University's Global Leaders in Construction Management Program founder Ibrahim S. Odeh. The US report draws its conclusions through examining six separate infrastructure case studies. Among the key findings from the report:

• PPP should be framed as a project-delivery mechanism, not a project finance tool or funding source.
• The primary goal of PPP is optimizing the mix of both private and public skills and assets.
• The responsibilities and risks of a project must be shared by the public and private sectors in order to maximize value.
• The US is distinct because of well-established municipal financing systems that should be used in conjunction with private financing.

"By thoroughly examining existing projects with different approaches to entering public-private partnerships, we found that despite the temptation to place the financial risk on the private parties, projects are far more successful when the private and public sides share risks," said White.

White is recognized as an authority in the construction and engineering sector. He frequently handles disputes surrounding a broad range of US and global construction and infrastructure projects including power plants, petroleum facilities, rail systems, roadways, and sewers. As the driving force behind the report, White helped to outline an effective approach to entering a PPP that can thrive in the unique US infrastructure market. His work on the US report follows a review of global infrastructure released last year through the same partnership between Dentons and Columbia University.

Read the full report here.

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