[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6354199,"mediaKeyId","2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266","parentId",2220424,"title","NDOT: Nevada’s transportation needs outpace funding as NEVI rollout pauses and wildlife grants move forward","audioSeconds",483,"startMs",1273000,"endMs",1756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266&start=1273&end=1756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266/thumbnail_1273000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6354199/Nevada/NDOT-Nevadas-transportation-needs-outpace-funding-as-NEVI-rollout-pauses-and-wildlife-grants-move-forward","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354199-3092fed5a5c4ca72dba23f9af2f52af2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=cWl6KWaCY8NHIJzKP-dqNBw6KdbNaRfEBl8Huwa2KcWjWmn70O54dBuqqqbUGGwmFbjiy2TagmiVlB0XNArDyWcYOrWZRnAliSRDfk0wvM1ywRJhVRBv2cokfUg9aUSGxQGFKc7W7hv9x7iX5~G5iTP8PlOZc8LIzugOTaJgMUvQNYzpI8wFpUn9cvXqMD89P58qClD9WoevZzEbBmlwPuCY8gpUCOFvBBQgqcDmTqQo7b9oNbWpQ06I2V7r7xgWVQn-48FnfyJ~B8s9vnKdHLrZCprdTyvcObn7smgQ4J5bRea-zEKIh1XPWozR9cgQiA3zmWD9NbGCU5nunmKdRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nevada State Legislature","date","2025-02-04T00:00:00Z","article","Tracy Larkin Thomason, director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, told the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure on Feb. 4 that Nevada is one of the fastest‑growing states and that the department is balancing preservation, expansion and enhancement of the highway system.

NDOT estimated its annual program fluctuates between about $800 million and $1.2 billion, with a common reference figure of roughly $1 billion per year drawn from a mix of federal grants and state highway fund dollars. Director Larkin Thomason said construction‑sector inflation and supply and labor shortages have sharply reduced buying power: \"Inflation has gone up 68% in the construction industry,\" she said, and that combination has eroded what NDOT can procure with available funds.

Why it matters: NDOT said it is funding roughly half the transportation needs identified in its most recent need assessments and that the state could require $17 billion–$20 billion over 10 years to meet both preservation and capacity needs. The department warned that limited redundancy on major corridors makes the system vulnerable to prolonged closures during wildfires or other emergencies.

Key program updates and constraints

- NEVI and Title 23 review: NDOT described the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program as an important federal initiative to build charging along alternate fuel corridors, but officials said the program’s deployment is complicated in Nevada by rural distances, power‑supply considerations and federal Title 23 rules written with pavement projects in mind. \"To date the NEVI funds have not been spent to put in infrastructure along our roadways,” said Candy Barwerle, an NDOT official. She told the committee that the department is ready to spend but that program guidance and a federal review have placed projects in limbo.

- Wildlife crossings and AB 112: NDOT said the Legislature’s 2023 action that created a wildlife‑crossing account enabled the department to pursue federal grants. NDOT secured roughly $16.8 million to construct wildlife crossings and about 68 miles of fencing along U.S. 93, and the department described a portfolio of crossing types for species ranging from desert tortoise to big game.

- Maintenance and nontraditional costs: Larkin Thomason said roadside cleanup (homeless encampments, trash abatement), copper theft, and stormwater/environmental compliance are now material annual costs. She also identified rest area failures (septic, water system problems) and said some rural rest areas have been closed while repairs are made.

- Workforce and procurement: NDOT said vacancies have declined from earlier highs but recruiting engineers and maintenance staff in rural areas remains difficult; competition from mining and private industry is a factor.

Projects and cash‑flow notes

NDOT described multiple ongoing or proposed projects across the state, including Tropicana/I‑15 construction nearing completion, I‑80 widening projects in challenging terrain, and corridor work in Northern Nevada. Officials emphasized federal grants are typically reimbursement‑based and that the department manages cash flow and bond use to avoid interruptions if reimbursements are delayed.

Quotes and exchanges

Vice Chair Max Carter asked whether there is an enforcement mechanism for private chargers that go offline. Larkin Thomason said it depends on ownership and that some rural stations have been out of service for extended periods because vendors or technicians were not available to repair them promptly. Candy Barwerle added that Title 23 compliance, right‑of‑way rules and available electricity all complicate where stations can be sited.

What the department will follow up on

NDOT pledged to provide additional information to the committee on reflectivity research for highway signs and on the range of wildlife‑crossing treatments and costs. Members also asked for follow‑up on rest area closures and speed‑limit rationales in rural stretches of I‑80.

Ending

NDOT told the committee that the state’s transportation system faces rising costs, a large backlog and complex federal compliance requirements for new programs such as NEVI. Officials asked lawmakers to continue attention to funding, permitting and workforce challenges while NDOT pursues grants and coordinates with local partners.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2/4/2025 - Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure","oneSentenceSummary","Tracy Larkin Thomason, director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, told the Assembly’s Growth and Infrastructure Committee that the department is facing a multibillion‑dollar gap between identified needs and available funding, and that federal NEVI charging grants are on hold while Title 23 compliance is reviewed.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature NV, Nevada","taxId",78440,"location","Nevada","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354189,"Washoe RTC urges sustained fuel‑indexing, highlights TRI Center access and Spaghetti Bowl work",720,4479000,5199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266&start=4479&end=5199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266/thumbnail_4479000.jpg","/articles/6354189/Nevada/Washoe-RTC-urges-sustained-fuelindexing-highlights-TRI-Center-access-and-Spaghetti-Bowl-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354189-7605cf7183d4c5875cc1dc157061d585/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=cgxy3m6R~xEUVAjL47-xDpu7I2mRyupeRcJygN-cMi1k7RywQV5SBDgwWHEUucfs5YF-4oaGzMlE0aZASytdWtuaHY-KeOz67INvZu7jQ4htR0GjoO2o0-M~LC7QFypUPkEB8b9oKqYfF1Q~Igioh4ID5KhAGfNACQ9cVpKvfp4j83XkJGBvNxqqGZ8bZEXkGi-yERrdwkSieV3iXIjmsGT5C7y4BXqdrXIfrZDf5MxXhl3zhxJLY2-JPlJ1vchvkFUHHdGaeP9yGGKdCZxmtJDWsPqg8U60F7PGdgA3~Ifj2rD8n1Igps2cZPX3JXhG54l80DiJStrKBHWe~-hQ9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dale Keller, deputy executive director of the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, told the committee that fuel‑tax indexing under NRS 373.066 has allowed the region to adjust its local fuel tax annually, preserving purchasing power and enabling continued investment in local roads and transit.

Keller described Washoe County’s revenue mix (local fuel tax, local sales tax, federal grants, passenger fares and a region impact fee) and noted that indexing has accounted for a substantial share of the region’s local road revenue since adoption in 2010. \"Since 2010, RTC has collected over $1.23 billion of revenue based off fuel tax,\" Keller said, and he added that indexing provided roughly 58% of that additional revenue.

Tri Center access and regional bottlenecks

Keller told lawmakers that the Tahoe‑Reno Industrial Center (TRI Center) is a major regional employment hub with roughly 15,000 jobs today and projections that local planners cited of 35,000–50,000 jobs by 2040. Washoe‑area leaders said the center lacks sufficient redundancy — currently there is essentially one major access route — and that NDOT had secured approximately $275 million in federal discretionary grant funding to address access. The RTC described consideration of northern and southern arterial alternatives and even commuter rail as options to create reliable access and to support projected employment growth.

Spaghetti Bowl and construction priorities

Keller described continued coordination with NDOT on the Reno Spaghetti Bowl interchange improvements and said Phase 1 had previously delivered measurable congestion benefits. He asked the Legislature to consider the statewide consequences if Clark County’s indexing program lapses; Washoe RTC officials said a falloff in Clark funding could shift state prioritization and have spillover effects for Washoe County projects.

Traffic safety cameras and other measures

Keller told the committee the RTC will monitor proposals for traffic‑safety cameras, including school‑zone enforcement and school‑bus stop cameras, and legislation that would allow speed cameras in construction zones. He said some other jurisdictions have produced data showing cameras reduce crashes and improve worker safety.

Ending

Washoe RTC emphasized continued collaboration with NDOT and local governments on funding, safety and access for major employment centers, and urged the Legislature to include indexing and other sustainable funding options in statewide transportation discussions.","Washoe County’s transportation commission told the Assembly it relies on fuel‑tax indexing to preserve purchasing power and urged lawmakers to consider indexing and other revenue tools as state leaders weigh transportation priorities.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354194,"RTC of Southern Nevada seeks extended fuel‑indexing authority and broader powers for transit security",525,3585000,4110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266&start=3585&end=4110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266/thumbnail_3585000.jpg","/articles/6354194/Nevada/RTC-of-Southern-Nevada-seeks-extended-fuelindexing-authority-and-broader-powers-for-transit-security","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354194-e73e8340af8e6551384221a1b5c91da5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=P939EGAQcSPBtv7foIon6Pt61-~DzUZpHRvQaA8O-LuiUN5s9Sy4O0z-B2SQx0UtEwxirjP2Z4mIkajVh8JlGngQD9~BCxQonTVbDF3kvPMvCiYANh~BpXjs2ilEcfJyluFxpuC54LKp-PTy5aDm63Z2K6~mOmkOCw6HiVVVd6t5f5zbernVctVG6tuOXrJHroR6EBVXBx~ZNSXViIm5wSs3lriSHtp8RS0e9IWI9mim5hOJXQX4ZEMBGspK17oA9XowRZ9GbEObYU2LPL-YxUlE2CQVa-ENxEbESOLoaVfcM0TaYcwyaO1iDNhSe-K4DcHUDWAELsoICeIL3hpJFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","MJ Maynard, representing the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, told the committee that local roadway and transit programs depend on a combination of motor fuel taxes, sales taxes and the Fuel Revenue Indexing (FRI) structure that has paid for hundreds of local projects since 2014.

What the RTC said: the fuel indexing program supported construction of hundreds of roadway projects, generated billions in local contracts and helped create thousands of jobs. Maynard told the committee that if the fuel revenue‑indexing program is not extended beyond its current authorization, Clark County jurisdictions could face a substantial revenue decline and a corresponding list of unfunded projects.

Numbers cited by the RTC

- Since the indexing program began, the RTC reported more than $2.9 billion in roadway projects and contracts and said member jurisdictions have delivered hundreds of projects.

- The RTC said member jurisdictions identified about 167 additional local projects that currently lack funding, totaling approximately $2.7 billion.

- On transit, the RTC reported operating deficits: Maynard said the agency expects an expense overage of about $30.7 million in the current fiscal year and a larger projected shortfall in 2027 unless new revenue is identified. The RTC said federal COVID stimulus funds kept service afloat but that the stimulus pool has been spent down.

Why it matters: The RTC framed the issue as a regional shortfall that could reduce roadway investments available to all member cities and unincorporated Clark County. Maynard said the board is seeking authority to place a ballot measure on a future ballot to allow voters to determine whether to add new local revenue to close the shortfall.

Security and operations

RTC representatives also identified security as a near‑term priority. Maynard said security officers currently have authority to trespass disruptive passengers from transit shelters and terminals, but not from buses. She told the committee that when a disruptive passenger must be removed from a bus the vehicle is taken out of service while the operator waits for law enforcement; that delays passengers and harms on‑time performance. \"If there's a disruptive passenger, the bus must pull over to the side. We contact our operations center and security. We have to wait for Metro to get there. All the while, people on the bus are stuck. They can't get to work,\" Maynard said. The RTC plans to pursue limited expansion of trespass authority and other measures that stakeholders — including the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), local law enforcement and civil‑liberties groups — have vetted.

Other notes

The agency described several local programs funded through indexing, including expanded paratransit and student passes, and the use of stimulus funds to pilot on‑demand microtransit in service gaps. Maynard said the RTC has evaluated a range of possible revenue mechanisms (sales tax, DMV fees, Transportation Network Company fees and property tax combinations) but that a ballot measure would let voters set priorities.

Ending

The RTC urged lawmakers to consider legislation that would allow Clark County voters to weigh in on sustaining or expanding regional transportation revenues and pledged continued outreach with labor and civil‑liberties partners on any proposed security changes.","The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada told the Assembly committee it needs continued fuel‑revenue indexing and, if necessary, a ballot authority extension to close a growing transit and roadway funding gap; the agency also asked for expanded trespass powers for transit security officers to keep buses moving.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354180,"Assembly Growth and Infrastructure Committee adopts policies, schedules regular Transportation Day meetings",1120,1000,1121000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266&start=1&end=1121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266/thumbnail_1000.jpg","/articles/6354180/Nevada/Assembly-Growth-and-Infrastructure-Committee-adopts-policies-schedules-regular-Transportation-Day-meetings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354180-0262ac75ce3580dfe97b06f42017a18c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=WauagUKqg70s2dOo1ihhqyCBaKZ3ExsIiXHfmL39rkTJc2VTxYK1EpFHu0HYB3i989cW8WieMYLGD4sie-ez3YKziMEpFX-zW1G5w7R-tNJMjn6873U3AzrJoCH7nwe6a5FtaSdCV3ol2qMmrwx4m--PmYEpVFiOfQSJS9WD0o6Lix3Yg9Tn4RfDEDiNd7jZ4-IowNTTPzf9hA96fPVmZzAgZdfwl5fLXkIiIomRSHn-rTy0wX4L4fueMf20G1ZTiluUeAGMltFHynccn93W~nPgZ3Konm5pg~3EQJFh306J4FEEt6hTzM~ks0fej~6~HAqZ4Uhnru8qKwfI69a6tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure convened in Carson City for Transportation Day and adopted its committee policies by motion on Feb. 4.

Chair Howard Watts opened the meeting, confirmed a quorum and outlined the agenda for Transportation Day, including hearings from NDOT, the RTCs for Southern Nevada and Washoe County, the Carson Area MPO/RTC and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Committee staff were introduced; Chair Watts requested members provide exhibits electronically and emphasized punctuality for meetings scheduled at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Motion to adopt committee policies

Vice Chair Max Carter moved to adopt the committee policies and the motion was seconded by \"Assembly Member Yurek\" on the record. Committee members indicated assent by voice vote; the chair announced the motion carried. (The record shows one vocalized \"Aye\" during the roll call on the motion and the chair declared the motion adopted.)

Committee brief and process notes

Keely Latham, senior policy analyst with the Research Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, presented a short overview of the committee brief and the resources posted on the legislature’s online portal (NELIS). Latham noted the committee’s jurisdiction over transportation and energy matters, the historical volume of measures handled by the committee and the Research Division’s nonpartisan support role for members.

Schedule and next steps

The chair said the committee will use a mostly paperless process and requested members submit materials early. He indicated the committee will continue Transportation Day presentations and begin bill hearings in subsequent meetings; the committee’s next meeting was set for Thursday, Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m.

Ending

Staff roster and contact information were posted and members were encouraged to reach out to committee staff for assistance with exhibits and amendments; the chair adjourned the meeting at the close of public comment.","The Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure formally adopted its committee policies, approved a meeting cadence and received staff introductions and a committee brief before a slate of Transportation Day agency presentations.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6354185,"Tahoe agencies highlight transit, trails and wildfire‑evacuation needs as residents raise concerns about growth and TRPA authority",508,5939000,6447000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266&start=5939&end=6447","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2220424-05cd640f9f833c912aaf81ec74dc6266/thumbnail_5939000.jpg","/articles/6354185/Nevada/Tahoe-agencies-highlight-transit-trails-and-wildfireevacuation-needs-as-residents-raise-concerns-about-growth-and-TRPA-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6354185-c16c2cd097af4ca30675580ba0b550d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1773708999&Signature=VDYAfAWz3iEIm8kEepJ-BES9eAZE01yKbxjtUDFTKfTjTdP7jmi8ZWnLv5PuVbR4nIO4U9JcIz9XXQxJI0-MH2t-3P7BApCzyH1XM0XexCNhYEk2NDVGGMGYP4qU56oJ6NcNB5918Syj6n5H8lbJ72KhE5HZiaPTdzO7VgYqnhf6axd39hoNJy2f78GmEKB17NMMiEsHc8A9jo6PWPC9AuF-OEwrzlsICg9FMujTFeVbPMUKrWNVlS3iGGD4fpqzlHpTBP84E6tvDPuVu2fpuOFOAvzgHX9BI6aqKCtOlVrbiDeaRd75okQiMf~VtqxCDHzSI0MlZst0yCqeArRrhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Julie Regan, executive director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, told the Growth and Infrastructure Committee that TRPA’s compact requires a transportation plan to reduce dependence on private automobiles and to prioritize transit, biking and walking within existing roadways. Regan described Tahoe’s seasonal visitor peaks, the basin’s role as a regional recreation hub and the agency’s long‑running focus on protecting lake clarity and air quality while coordinating multi‑jurisdictional transportation investments.

What TRPA presented

- Compact and MPO role: Regan said the 1969 bi‑state compact and subsequent congressional action created TRPA and charged it with transportation planning for the basin; TRPA was also designated an MPO in 1998 and receives targeted federal transportation formula funds because of visitor populations.

- Project priorities: TRPA highlighted the East Shore Trail (segments connecting Spooner Summit to Sand Harbor and Incline Village) and a suite of projects the agency calls the transportation action plan. Regan said TRPA secured a RAISE grant (about $24 million) to implement key sections of the East Shore Multi‑Use Trail.

- Transit and microtransit: TRPA and partners operate or support microtransit pilots (Lake Link) that TRPA said served more than 60,000 riders in its first year, with about half of riders being residents. Regan highlighted the high operational costs of transit in a seasonal, visitor‑driven market and asked for more stable funding sources.

- Wildfire and evacuation planning: Regan said the agency received a $1.8 million federal PROTECT grant to complete a regional infrastructure resilience plan to help evacuation planning; she underscored wildfire risk and the need for infrastructure that supports safety and quick egress from the basin.

Public comment: residents' concerns

Several callers and in‑room speakers during the public comment period expressed concern about TRPA policies, local taxes, parking and evacuation risk:

- Ellie Waller (Douglas County resident) urged TRPA to prioritize protection and restoration of the lake and questioned new funding demands and additional parking that she said could increase visitor numbers and fire‑evacuation risks.

- John Eppolito (longtime North Shore real‑estate broker) described severe congestion on Highway 28 and said Sand Harbor has required a reservation system; he warned about long evacuation times in a fast‑moving wildfire.

- Rhonda Tycer said Nevada residents at the lake are concerned about TRPA applying California housing mandates (cited multiple California statutes by name) to Nevada jurisdictions and asked the Legislature to prevent California legislative dictates from being applied on the Nevada side.

- Ann Nichols and other callers questioned transparency around TRPA budgets and the scale of proposed new funding mechanisms (business improvement districts or similar assessments).

Why it matters: TRPA said its transportation action plan seeks to balance access, environment and evacuation safety, but public commenters said increased visitor services, parking and denser housing near transit hubs raise alarms about fire safety, local control and fiscal impacts on residents.

Ending

TRPA offered to provide more detail on the region’s evacuation planning and on how recent wildfire events have informed resilience work. Committee members requested follow‑up on the resilience plan and noted the significance of Tahoe’s wildfire and evacuation risks to statewide planning.","The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency told lawmakers it must reduce private‑vehicle dependence, expand transit and build trails to protect Lake Tahoe’s environment and manage visitor demand. Public commenters raised objections about density, local taxes, and evacuation risk tied to increased parking and visitor services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

NDOT: Nevada’s transportation needs outpace funding as NEVI rollout pauses and wildlife grants move forward

Washoe RTC urges sustained fuel‑indexing, highlights TRI Center access and Spaghetti Bowl work

RTC of Southern Nevada seeks extended fuel‑indexing authority and broader powers for transit security

Assembly Growth and Infrastructure Committee adopts policies, schedules regular Transportation Day meetings

Tahoe agencies highlight transit, trails and wildfire‑evacuation needs as residents raise concerns about growth and TRPA authority