CS31B - Concurrent Session 31B: Establishing a Capital Program

Abstract Description: As a continuation of the proposed abstract on building a comprehensive dam owner program, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) proposes to present on the radical changes implemented at ODNR following Ohio Construction Reform in 2012. These wholesale programmatic changes helped ODNR grow from several million dollars in projects to hundreds of millions in just a few short years. Since 2012, ODNR has carried out over $2 billion in planning, design, and construction projects. Early on, major projects were focused on dam safety improvements, but the program rapidly expanded to ODNR owned lodges, campgrounds, cabins and associated infrastructure. The story behind the development of this program can provide a unique prospective that many owners and industry members can learn from as they look to address their aging infrastructure.

Key items that will be discussed are assessing assets and prioritizing which need to be addressed first, then using that information to develop a programmatic master plan, advocate for funding and securing support from all parties to carry out the proposed plan. This includes building the team required to accomplish the plan, with in house staff and externally with consultants, owner agents, and contractors. Owners must also identify the proper delivery methods such as general contracting, construction manager at risk, or design build, that is most suitable for successful completion of the project.