The Daily Press reported:
Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell's incoming administration will have the final say on the composition of an independent review panel that will study whether the state should enter into a long-term operating agreement with a private operator at the Virginia Port Authority's cargo terminals, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
The Carlyle Group is one of three bidders for Virginia's port operations. Carlyle won its first infrastructure project, refurbishing and operating 23 Connecticut highway rest stops. Will Virginia do a better job of qualifying bidders and holding them to a request for proposal? Time will tell.
Update 9-12-10: Virginia effectively stopped the bidding process for state owned ports. The Carlyle Group expressed continued interest, should Virginia Governor Bob MacDonald be receptive. Carlyle spokesman Christopher W. Ullman wrote, "If the new administration decides private investment in the port benefits the state, Carlyle will look forward to participating." They have a great setup man on the inside.
