Author

Joel Sayre

Date of Award

Fall 2008

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

Governments have partnered with businesses to provide products and services throughout US history. Efforts of partnership during large infrastructure projects are common and take place as partnerships between business arid government, with government utilizing the specialties that exist in the private sector, while business enjoys the stability and high profile work large construction contracts can offer. These infrastructure projects whether transportation or ~ater resources, are something municipalities, states and the nation itself will work to manage together throughout the foreseeable future. Management and administration through these efforts, in the area of communication, can provide crucial information, when available, necessary and valuable in allowing public officials to have the most complete view of potential and/or ongoing work, to make the best decisions that will have lasting impacts on the region and nation. This information lay at the heart of the issue of balance between public and private sector relationships, is the whole view being represented?

Public perception regarding construction of the new bay bridge was studied to explore the reception and retention of messages conveyed by the bay bridge public relations office, during the new bay bridge construction. With the possibility that information and education could help provide the most efficient and effective avenue to reach public goals during the decision-making process, prior to construction, available information to the public during construction could also prove valuable and be a benefit for the organization(s) managing the construction, and in turn benefit the public as a whole. This research is an exploration of these relationships in order to present recommendations that might lead to a more thorough public understanding of the new bay bridge project, potentially resulting in a safer product in the end.

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