Today, a couple of us edit board-types received an e-mail invitation to a conference on “The Private Role in Public Infrastructure” at the Center for Civic Innovation at the Manhattan Institute. Seems today’s editorial, and news story, about Gov. Paterson’ plans to appoint a panel to consider ways to get private investment in state infrastructure projects, which would of course include the new $16 billion new bridge and double-latte transportation frappucino for Rockland (both a bus rapid transit system across the 30-mile corridor from Port Chester to Suffern, and a commuter-rail-ready bridge that would allow trains to be added later across Rockland.

The conference in midtown tomorrow morning will have a panel discussion on the Role of Private Capital in Public Infrastructure Projects and other that would include case studies. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters is the keynote speaker.

Here’s the statement from the agenda: Infrastructure—whether in the form of roads, bridges, tunnels, passenger rail, pipelines or power lines—is critical to sustained economic growth and quality of life. Yet we in the United States have had increasing difficulty maintaining our existing infrastructure and building vital new projects. How can we close this infrastructure gap? In infrastructure innovation, we explore the possible roles of private sector finance and management, whether as a complement or as a substitute for traditional government ownership and operation. Please join us for a discussion among leading public officials, scholars and investors on this crucial topic.

I’ll let you know how it sounds.