RTC outlines $4.6 billion, multi-year Ward One plan and proposes an EV registration fee advisory question

The Regional Transportation Commission presented a sweeping Ward One update on June 8, saying its long-range plan includes 107 projects over 20–25 years that total about $4.6 billion and that the agency is weighing an advisory ballot question about an electric-vehicle registration fee.

Paul Nelson, RTC government-affairs officer, told the Ward One Neighborhood Advisory Board that RTC’s fiscal 2026 revenues are roughly $290 million while expenditures are about $329 million. Nelson said the agency relies heavily on fuel-tax revenue and that the growing number of electric vehicles — which do not pay fuel tax at the pump — is eroding that revenue stream.

"We are one of 10 states that don't have some kind of an electric-vehicle fee or mileage-based user fee," Nelson said, adding that an advisory question could ask voters whether they support a $250 registration fee for EVs with a smaller fee for hybrids. "If it were to pass in November, it doesn't become law; it tells the legislature Washoe County residents support some kind of a fee that would go into our infrastructure for our roadways." (Paul Nelson)

Why it matters: Nelson said the $4.6 billion list covers major road and bridge replacements, pavement preservation and safety projects. Without new funding mechanisms, RTC may still complete core work but will not be able to start as many projects each year.

Key projects and programs described

- Arlington Avenue bridges: ribbon-cutting and opening; project completed under budget with structural and river-channel improvements. - Sierra Street Bridge: planned replacement, estimated at $33.8 million, anticipated to start construction early next year. - Keystone Avenue Bridge: a roughly $75 million replacement under consideration for a federal bridge-investment grant that could cover up to 80% of costs. - West Fourth Street safety improvements: lane reductions, two roundabouts (Stoke Avenue and Summit Ridge Drive), and a north-side multi-use path to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. - Bike network and university gateway projects: several corridors are targeted for bike and pedestrian upgrades and reconfigured crossings to reduce pedestrian fatalities. - Transit programs: fixed-route RTC Ride, Flex Ride microtransit, RTC Access paratransit, vanpool programs and student/youth fare initiatives; the agency reported measurable ridership gains and program expansions.

Funding context and options

Nelson said RTC expects about $290 million in revenue in FY26 while planning expenditures of roughly $329 million by drawing down prior reserves and committed funds. He outlined funding sources such as local fuel taxes, federal grants, sales tax for transit operations and regional road-impact fees charged to new development.

On EV fees, Nelson cited a Gwyn Center study that modeled options and recommended a flat $250 registration fee as one starter proposal; alternatives include mileage-based user fees. "Over the last five years, it's been about $15 million that we haven't collected in fuel taxes by electric vehicles," he said. (Paul Nelson)

Board questions and RTC responses

Board members pressed RTC on how driver miles are calculated (Nelson said DMV odometer readings are a primary data source), coordination with city maintenance for alleys and local streets (jurisdictions often retain responsibility for city streets and alleys), and how pedestrian needs are balanced with vehicle traffic on corridors such as Virginia Street. Nelson emphasized that some changes require legislative action or additional local funding mechanisms.

Next steps

Nelson said the advisory question, if placed on the ballot, would signal local support to the legislature but would not itself enact a fee. RTC will continue applying for grants (including the bridge-investment program) and refining project schedules based on available funding.

Provenance: RTC Ward One presentation and Q&A (transcript beginning SEG 621 through SEG 2199).