Jaden Urban
Feb 4, 2025 Updated Feb 4, 2025
Transportation is one of the main arteries in every person’s life.
Whether you drive, walk, bike, or take public transits, it impacts you in some way shape or form.
Which is why many agencies gathered at the legislature for transportation day.
“Transportation Day is an opportunity to talk with our lawmakers; let them know what’s important to us, because they’re the ones who are making the laws,” said Paul Nelson, Government Affairs Officer, Regional Transportation Commission in Washoe County.
Some lawmakers were there talking to each and every table to get an understanding of what it is they need.
“When it comes to Transportation Day, it’s important to speak with all stakeholders behind transportation in the state, so we can make sure we’re doing everything we can to get everyone home safely every day,” said Senator Julie Pazina, District 12.
Funding was a word that was thrown around a lot during the event.
The RTC in Washoe County says they are doing fine on that end.
However, the RTC for southern Nevada is trying to extend its indexing for fuel taxes.
Nelson says that’s important for them because that could mean if they don’t get that indexing, more of the state’s funding could go down to Vegas, leaving less for Washoe County.
Another sight Nelson is focusing on is electric vehicles.
“Anytime you go gas up, you’re paying a fuel tax and that’s what pays for our roads, but if you drive an electric vehicle you don’t pay that tax,” he said.
Nelson adds they are trying to see how they can capture that lost revenue.
The language for the EV bill is not written yet, but one in particular is.
It’s Assembly Bill 61, which focuses on the toll road from Sparks to USA Parkway.
The passing of the bill does not mean that a road can be built, it just allows the City of Sparks and other agencies to be able to start to plan and design a possible project.
One organization is hoping that Bill Draft Request 962 gets passed.
It is looking for funding for public transportation.
“It’s critical to all of our communities to improve public transit services,” said Jackie Spicer, Coalition Coordinator, Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition Action. “People need public transportation if we can’t afford a personal vehicle.”
Spicer says this proposed draft bill could make improvements for lots of areas.
“Getting us things like more bus routes, more buses, if we wanted to electrify our buses and if we want to get things like improved sidewalks and bus shelters we need more funding to do it,” she said.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency was also there to make sure that Lake Tahoe did not go forgotten with lawmakers.
They are looking for improvements that benefit visitors and the lake.
“In terms of transportation for protecting the environment and also recreation access and making sure that when you’re enjoying the beautiful east shore you don’t have to worry about that car parked on the side of the high way,” said Devin Middlebrook, Government Affairs Manager, TRPA.
No language is written right now for those particular bills.
