nevada highway users coalition
November 16, 2007
Message from the Coalition

Hello Highway User,

With the release of this newsletter we’re pleased to announce the launch of a renewed effort by the Nevada Highway Users Coalition to keep state infrastructure in the minds of Nevada lawmakers and other residents.

We believe there is nothing more critical to the future of this state than ensuring our highways, bridges and other infrastructure are sound. Without quality roadways, business and industry will languish and tourists will find somewhere else to travel.

It’s essential that we find a way to meet our infrastructure needs sooner rather than later. These are necessities, and the cost will only go up in the future. We either have to find a way to pay for these improvements now or pay more for them later.

Also, our roads are rapidly declining in safety. In fact, a national transportation analysis group gave Nevada an “F” on the safety of our roadways. This is simply unacceptable.

Finally, our roadways and ease of movement within our communities is critical to our quality of life. Without some serious upgrades, traffic in Nevada will be comparable to Los Angeles by 2030. I don’t know anyone who is OK with that.

Please take the time to use this newsletter as an informational resource to keep yourself informed of the issue and what’s happening. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact the coalition.

Sincerely,
Highway Users Coalition
 
Tell Us Your
Highway Horror Story
Please let us know about your experiences by sending email to NVHUC@hotmail.com.
National Updates
As Nevada looks for funding solutions for its infrastructure needs, the Silver State is not alone in this quest. Other states and local governments across the country are also struggling with this critical issue, and several recently had ballot questions put to the voters with a mix of success and defeat.

Successes

  • On Nov. 6, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 12, a constitutional amendment that allows the state to issue general obligation bonds worth $5 billion to fund highway improvement projects. The proposition passed with an amazing 63 percent of the vote.
    http://www.statesman.com/opinion/content/editorial/stories/11/
  • Denver voters on Nov. 6 overwhelmingly approved an initiative to issue bonds to raise $150 million to fund streets, transportation and public works repairs. Voters approved this ballot question with a landslide 67 percent of the vote. This was part of a larger, $550 million funding package for a variety of needs that included property tax increases. See the Denver Post article on the election below:
    http://www.denverpost.com/election/ci_7391528
  • Voters in Weber County Utah approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase that’s expected to generate $8.7 million for transportation needs. The measure passed by just 283 votes out of more than 40,000 votes cast.

Defeats

  • Kingman, Arizona voters this month rejected a slew of ballot measures that when totaled together would have issued bonds for $56.7 million in capital improvements for transportation, public safety and parks.
  • Voters in the Seattle area rejected Proposition 1, which would have raised taxes to create a new regional rail system as well as increase road capacity and make other infrastructure improvements.

There is plenty to be learned from the above examples and others as it related to how voters view transportation issues. There are several resources available on the Internet to see how other ballot questions have fared in recent elections. Particularly valuable is the Center for Transportation Excellence at: http://www.cfte.org
Nevada Roadway News
The Legislative Commission’s Subcommittee to Study Transportation Issues began its meetings this week. Sen. Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, is chairing the subcommittee. It’s opening meeting included primarily presentations about current financing, future infrastructure needs and estimated future funding needs. The Las Vegas Review Journal’s article about the initial meeting below quotes an NDOT official in stating the current need for 10 super projects is now $5.4 billion.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/11192531.html

Nevada finally has its first 10-lane highway: U.S. Highway 95 in Clark County. This estimated $520 million project wrapped up this week after years of controversy, a legal battle and construction. See the link below to the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s editorial on the project, including some lingering issues.
http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/11182166.html
nevada highway users coalition