Brazilian State Rio Grande do Sul has launched the RS Parcerias P3 program with the aim to stimulate concessions and PPP projects in the state. 

The first four projects presented as part of the program comprised the concession of the RSC-287 and ERS-324 highways, the Porto Alegre Bus Station and the Sapucaia do Sul Zoo, which amount investments of BRL3.4 billion (US$857 million) in the next 30 years.

The four project have already undergonetechnical feasibility studies, initiated by the last government, and were approved by the Managing Council of the Concessions Program and public-private partnerships (PPPs) of the State.

The new lot of  PPPs is not restricted to road projects. Ports, regional airports, construction and administration of schools, public buildings and prisons, equipment in the area of culture and tourism, among others, are also being consiered under the RS Parcerias P3 program.

The next steps of the concession program are to hold public consultations for at least 30 days. During this period, government will receive suggestions from the population and others interested parties in the subject, after which, the government will launch the tender.