NDOT seeks funding to replace statewide shared radio system (P25 migration)

The Nevada Department of Transportation presented Senate Bill 493 to the Senate Finance Committee seeking funds to replace and consolidate the statewide Nevada Shared Radio System (commonly referred to as the P25 migration). NDOT communications director Joe Harrington told the panel the project began in 2019 as a public‑private partnership with NV Energy and aims to provide a seamless statewide communications platform for more than 16,000 public safety users.

Harrington said the department and the governor's finance office and LCB derived an allocation formula for the upcoming biennium. Under that formula, NDOT requested $2,865,572 in general funds and $15,039,943 in highway funds for the 2025‑27 biennium, with any uncommitted balance reverting to the fund of origin after June 30, 2027.

NDOT staff said the user base includes state police, county sheriffs, fire departments, EMS, and federal, state and local providers. Harrington presented the project budget and noted that the remaining balance not committed by 06/30/2027 would revert to the originating fund.

Why it matters: A statewide P25 system is the radio infrastructure underpinning many public safety communications in Nevada. Replacing and standardizing that system affects interoperability for first responders and public safety agencies across the state.

Provenance: NDOT presented SB 493, described the partnership, allocation formula and the requested fund mix; the committee recorded the presentation and there was no opposition testimony on the bill.