Bypass needs federal funding

Jeffrey Libby

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2002 | 10:17 a.m.

Boulder City will look to Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., for funding for a 12-mile loop of U.S. 93 south of town to handle increasing traffic between the nation's two fastest growing metropolitan areas, Boulder City Councilman Bryan Nix said.

Nix, who is a member of the Regional Transportation Commission, said Friday there are few funds available locally to help build the $345 million project. But the goal is to build the 12-mile bypass in conjunction with a bridge being built below Hoover Dam, he said.

Both projects will help meet increasing traffic between Phoenix and Las Vegas, highway officials say.

Nix made his comments after the state Transportation Department announced its recommendation of the Boulder City southern loop, or "Alternative D," to federal highway officials.

State officials recommended the route after more than two years of study, rejecting two other alternative expansions that would have cost $100 million less to build, but would have followed roughly the same route through the downtown.

Most residents said an expanded highway through the center of town would destroy Boulder City, although some small businesses dependent on tourists worry that the bypass will add to the losses already suffered due to restrictions in place on Hoover Dam traffic since Sept 11.

"There was overwhelming support for Alternative D," said Scott Rawlins, project manager for the state Department of Transportation, referring to the 675 public comments received by the agency. "Our decision came down to quality of life issues for Boulder City."

NDOT must issue a final environmental impact statement by the end of this year, Rawlins said. The federal highway administration will review the statement and announce a final decision in the spring, he said.

The bypass could be built in four years, Rawlins said, but he hesitated to commit to a completion date.

"You want to talk if we do have the money?" he said.

Nix also stressed the scarcity of local and state funds available for the project.

"I don't see the U.S. 93 bypass as one of the RTC's high priorities," Nix said. "We have the beltway, some major roadway widening projects. I think Harry Reid is going to have to lead the way with federal funding."

Reid will deliver -- nothing has changed in that regard, a legislative aide in Washington said today.

In May 2001 Reid assured Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro that federal funding would be found to accommodate the growth without destroying the small town of Boulder City.

Reid chairs an environmental and public works subcommittee responsible for transportation and infrastructure. He also serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The Boulder City bypass could be included in a massive, six-year transportation bill due to be discussed by the Senate next spring, the aide said.