Pasco MPO asks Rep. Gus Bilirakis to review Davis‑Bacon wage‑determination process, citing delays and cost impacts

MPO staff asked the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization on Nov. 5 to transmit a letter to Rep. Gus Bilirakis requesting a targeted federal review of the Davis‑Bacon Act wage‑determination process, arguing that administrative procedures can delay project delivery and raise costs.

Staff summarized national analyses and local findings, saying some national studies estimate an 8.9–14.3% increase in roadway construction costs tied to prevailing‑wage requirements and citing project delays in other sectors. The MPO’s county‑specific review found Davis‑Bacon compliance costs for two recent projects of about 1.0–1.8% of total construction budgets, and staff said documentation and auditing demands also add schedule risk.

"The goal was to strike a balance between maintaining fair and competitive wages and ensuring fiscal responsibility and timely delivery of infrastructure projects," the MPO presentation said. Staff recommended asking the congressman to examine the timeliness of wage determinations, cost impacts on local projects and the administrative burdens associated with compliance.

Commissioners supported sending the letter. Several asked staff to add county examples tied to affordable‑housing projects (including Steps to Recovery) to illustrate local impacts. Commissioner comments praised the letter and noted plans to take the issue to Washington if the MPO and Board of County Commissioners approve it.

Board members voted to transmit the letter; staff will coordinate with county administration and local project leads to append county‑specific examples before wider distribution.