50 year contracts for toll roads: are they legal?

[cap]

does any one know the ins and outs of government contracting? Is it legal to let a state or federal contract for 50 years?

I am starting to hear that a number of toll roads are being privatized with 50 year contracts. Is there any way out of these contracts?

[Massacure]

1. When oil runs out we wont need roads. Let greedy people lose money.

[meegbear]

2. Good answer!

That was really informative. Thanks.

[MrModerate]

5. I think we'll still need the roads . . .

The one percent of the population that survives the massive die off will want to use 'em for their ox carts. At least until they deteriorate so much that dirt paths become preferable. Even then the bridges will be useful.

[Selatius]

3. The only way is voting in politicians who don't sell out

Good luck in that venture without a public financing mechanism for elections.

[MrModerate]

4. Yes, it's definitely legal to let such long-term contracts . . .

Called "concessions" and toll roads and bridges are two of the main examples. They usually come about through a contracting mechanism known as "Public-Private Partnerships" where the private sector comes up with the financing for a project that the public entity (generally local or state) can't otherwise afford. The private sector entity gets to make money on their investment for a set period of time and usually has the right to raise rates according to some agreed schedule or set of conditions.

[cap]

6. yes... but is the length of the contract legal?

why not give Boeing a 50 year concession on all warfighting material?

I think you just cant go around awarding 50 year contracts.