I am OK with joint private-public efforts, the ultimate issue is that, when the government does business it doesn't do it well.  Any concerns about a private / public partnership can be addressed through a proper contract.  Make a mandatory (legislated) clause that the government has a 50, 100, and 150 year option to purchase the private shares out, in full, at a fair value assessment.   Done. I say legislated as there will be some fool down the road that receives a kickback or a job promise to turf such a clause. Do not give them the choice to.