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Senate committee hears bill to fund Southern Nevada regional planning pilot
Summary
Senate Bill 147 would establish the Southern Nevada Regional Planning for Economic Resiliency pilot program and appropriate $650,000 to the RTC of Southern Nevada to produce a prioritized regional infrastructure plan.
Senate Bill 147 would establish the Southern Nevada Regional Planning for Economic Resiliency pilot program and appropriate $650,000 to establish and implement a regional infrastructure plan, Sen. Marilyn Dondero Loop told the Senate Finance Committee. The bill tasks the RTC of Southern Nevada, as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, with creating an advisory committee and preparing a prioritized list of infrastructure projects to support economic development.
Why it matters: Witnesses said Southern Nevada’s rapid growth is straining infrastructure and transit systems. Dr. David D’Amore of Brookings Mountain West and UNLV told the committee the region lacks the integrated planning structures used by competing metros and that a pilot housed at RTC could help the region attract federal, state and local funding.
What proponents told the committee: Deb Reardon of the RTC said the pilot would identify site‑level infrastructure needs (utilities, roadways, transit) and group projects into packages for grant applications. She said the RTC would hire a project manager and technical consultants, and that community engagement and an advisory committee representing local governments, economic development groups and workforce partners would guide priorities. The RTC said federal transportation planning funds are restricted and that state funding is needed for broader infrastructure planning.
Fiscal note and funding: Sen. Dondero Loop recited that the RTC provided a fiscal estimate of roughly $250,000 for FY 2025–26 and $400,000 for FY 2026–27; the bill as introduced appropriates $650,000. Committee members asked whether the appropriation would be general‑funded; witnesses confirmed section 11 calls for a state appropriation.
Public comment: Trevor Parrish of the Vegas Chamber testified in support from a fiscal and economic perspective. No callers testified in opposition.
Next steps: The committee held the hearing and received public testimony; no vote on final passage was recorded during this session.
