Highway landscape plans are unveiled

Tuesday, June 4, 2002 | 9:23 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state Transportation Department plans to spend $4 million in the next two years for a blueprint to beautify Nevada's highways and roads.

"Highways contribute to local and regional character when cultural and natural features, scenic views and community identity are preserved and celebrated," Director Tom Stephens said.

The proposal was to be presented to the state Transportation Board in Las Vegas today.

"Aesthetics in highway construction, including landscaping, have had trouble competing for funding in the nation's fastest growing state," Stephens said.

"We need to establish an affordable level of investment in aesthetics and maximize the use of that scarce funding," he said.

As a rule 3 percent of the cost of a project can be allocated to landscaping and other improvements, the final draft plan said.

The plan will concentrate on 11 major corridors in Nevada, including Interstate 15 from the California border to the Arizona border; U.S. 95 from Henderson to the junction with State Route 157, the highway to Lee Canyon; U.S. 95 from Laughlin to Henderson; and U.S. 93 through Boulder City to Hoover Dam.

There also would be planning for U.S. 95 from north of Las Vegas to Tonopah and U.S. 93 from north of Las Vegas to Ely.

The department also plans to put an annual $2 million into a 50-50 matching grant program to help communities pay for beautification projects.