Public gets the chance to speak on growth issues of next 20 years

Lisa Snedeker

Thursday, Nov. 19, 1998 | 11:20 a.m.

Those interested in speaking out about growth in the Las Vegas Valley will have their chance tonight.

The Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority is holding separate public hearings in Boulder City, Henderson and North Las Vegas to get input from residents on how to deal with growth issues ranging from transportation to health care.

After more than a year of research and meetings, the authority has identified Clark County's needs and prioritized objectives in a draft strategic plan.

Now it is the public's turn.

"We are now officially in the public comment period," said Betsy Fretwell, intergovernmental relations director for the city of Henderson.

Fretwell is involved in the outreach effort to glean feedback on the draft plan, which is being spearheaded by Tom Warden, spokesman for Clark County. The public comment period, which kicked off last week, runs through Dec. 11.

"We encourage people to take a look at the plan, which is the result of well over 60,000 people hours," Warden said.

Copies of the four-page executive summary and the draft plan are available for review at library reference desks throughout the valley and the authority's website (www.snspa.org).

"I think it (the draft plan) is very accessible," Warden said. "We hope a good number of people take the opportunity to give input."

In addition to staffing information booths at the Galleria Mall, the city of Henderson is distributing a survey to find out what quality of life issues residents feel should be made top priority.

The authority was formed by the Nevada Legislature to provide recommendations on how to manage the effects growth in Clark County has on such areas as traffic, education, water supply and land use.

"The plan leaves room for the unique characteristics of the individual communities while still working on growth issues from a regional perspective," Warden said.

The executive summary of the draft states that projections are based on a population range of approximately 2.3-2.8 million people who will eventually live in Southern Nevada.

Among the key findings are:

* While there are revenue sources in place to meet 20-year, growth-related needs in areas such as water, wastewater, flood control and streets and highways, capital facility needs for kindergarten through 12th grade have not been addressed for the 10-20 year horizon.

* There is a substantial revenue gap for mass transit.

* There are significant revenue gaps associated with park needs.

* The majority of Southern Nevadans are confronted by the impacts of transportation and education on a daily basis.

The draft plan contains critical issue recommendations on transportation, education, governance, parks and recreation, public safety, environment and health care.

"I think it's a good plan," Warden said. "This is the first time leaders from across this valley have come up with a comprehensive plan to address growth."