2025 CIP BDR presented: $381.8 million for Southern Nevada forensic facility, multiple bond authorizations

LCB fiscal staff presented BDR 12‑33, the draft implementing the 2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Julie Waller outlined appropriations, bond authorizations, reversion dates, and notable projects to be financed by general obligation bonds and other sources.

The presentation described a $99.5 million general‑fund appropriation to 27 projects, $9.9 million in highway fund appropriations for seven projects, and multiple general obligation bond authorizations. Notable projects flagged by staff include a $381,800,000 bond authorization for the Southern Nevada Forensic Facility (25CO1), $58,900,000 for evaporative cooling replacement at High Desert State Prison (25MO6), and office building purchases in Las Vegas and Reno (25C26 and 25C27). The bill also authorizes smaller bond issues for DMV projects and a $165.5 million authorization from non‑state receipts for projects using federal or agency funds.

Waller emphasized that the CIP includes a required two‑thirds vote because it authorizes the 17¢ ad valorem property tax rate to fund bond debt service; the overall 17¢ rate remains the same as the current biennium. The bill contains provisions allowing the State Board of Finance to issue bonds when appropriate, and it allows short‑term advances from the state controller when bond proceeds are not yet available, with mandatory reimbursement on sale of bonds.

Senator Titus asked whether the Hobart Dam rehabilitation funding had been approved; staff confirmed the money committees approved the rehabilitation funding to replace a rescinded FEMA grant. Later the committee introduced the CIP BDR (BDR 12‑33) as a committee bill during a combined motion to introduce three money‑bill BDRs.