Slide 3 of 15:

The Excess Project really began with a study that Abbott Northwestern Hospitals commissioned in 1997. The report, completed in January of 1998, became the basis for all the work that continues to be done until today.

 

Even the project consultants and management personnel remain the same.

 

The original engineering consultant, OSM & Associates, who was hired by the hospital for this project, was given the project again after Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin and the Phillips Partnership repackaged the project as part of a much bigger plan.

 

When OSM folded in late 1999, and project personnel were hired by SEH, the County promptly sent the contract to them.

 

There was no public bidding at all in any part of this project - the County (and McLaughlin) simply steered the project in the direction of their friends.

 

And that's not even talking about the people managing the project.

 

Tom Johnson, who as a consultant for Abbott Hospital was in charge of getting the ramps built, was given the role of project manager for the whole project when the Phillips Partnership, Hennepin County (through McLaughlin), and Martin Sabo obtained funding for their construction (these facts are well documented, you can read an account here).