Assembly committee hears bill to allow Sparks, RTC to pursue toll-road demonstration to serve Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center

The Nevada Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure on Wednesday heard testimony on Assembly Bill 61, which would authorize the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, the City of Sparks or another local government in Washoe County to establish a demonstration toll road connecting La Posada and USA Parkway.

Proponents said the toll-road option aims to reduce congestion and improve safety on Interstate 80 by providing an alternate access route to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRI). “This toll road is just a tool,” said Ed Lawson, Mayor of Sparks. “You shouldn't have to take your life in your hands to go to work.”

The bill is narrowly written, sponsors said, to apply only to the connection between La Posada and USA Parkway. Allison McCormick, Assistant City Manager for Sparks, summarized the bill's main provisions: it would permit registration renewal holds through DMV as an enforcement mechanism (referencing NRS chapter 484B), exempt toll-related property from property tax if held by the public partner, allow public-private partnerships (subject to a 40‑year maximum term), and require user-fee revenue to be deposited in the State Highway Fund and restricted to building, operating or maintaining highways in Washoe County.

Michael Hillerby, representing the City of Sparks, told the committee the measure is “enabling” legislation intended to let local officials and private partners evaluate whether a toll model “pencils” rather than obligating state highway funds. Hillerby said the legislation mirrors a 2011 measure used for the Boulder City bypass and provides negotiation and procurement rules specific to a toll demonstration project.

Supporters from the private sector and economic development organizations told the committee businesses at TRI and other employers are willing to help cover commuting costs for employees, and that improved access would support continued job growth. Brett Scalera of Strategies360, speaking for Neology Inc., described his company's tolling experience on other U.S. projects and said such projects have sometimes met or exceeded ridership and revenue projections. Chris Thompson, who has worked on TRI development, said TRI currently supports roughly 35,000 jobs and that frequent backups on I‑80 create delays of hours during peak incidents.

Opponents cautioned about risks tied to public-private partnerships, collections and the ultimate financial burden. Paul Enos, identifying himself as CEO of the Novattox Recony Association, said that while he supports improved infrastructure, experience elsewhere shows private toll operators can fail or raise tolls, leaving the public sector to cover costs. The Sierra Club's Olivia Tanager argued the bill could saddle working-class commuters with tolls and urged greater investment in public transit alternatives.

Committee members asked about enforcement and collections, competitive-bidding exceptions for PPP procurement, environmental and right-of-way steps, likely timelines, and the unanswered question of toll amounts. Mayor Lawson said alignment work is underway and construction would likely be “5 to 8 years” away if the project advances, and he said estimated tolls are not yet known. Hillerby and McCormick said details such as fines, late-fee caps and the precise financing structure would be determined during contract negotiations and local approval processes.

The committee did not vote on AB 61 at the hearing. Sponsors said the next steps, if the bill becomes law, would include completing alignment work, conducting environmental reviews, negotiating rights-of-way with federal land managers and pursuing PPP financing. No formal action or amendment occurred during the hearing.