Where I Stand — Jacob L. Snow: Transportation evolving

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003 | 8:16 a.m.

Editor's note: In August the Where I Stand column is written by guest writers. Today's columnist, Jacob L. Snow, is general manager of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

EVEN IF YOU'RE a relative newcomer to our desert community, you probably quickly noticed the unprecedented growth we continue to experience -- busy streets (and sidewalks), seemingly endless road construction and traffic congestion -- and the demands this growth has placed on our transportation system. But those demands, and the resolve of residents throughout the valley, are primary ingredients for a very exciting transportation recipe in Southern Nevada.

So far our journey has not been without significant challenges, and I don't think anybody is willing to bet that our future is free and clear. But some important hurdles were conquered over the last year.

Clark County voters made their voices heard and passed an advisory initiative on the November ballot, Question 10, the Fair Share Funding Program for transportation improvements. The Nevada Legislature listened to those voices and approved Senate Bill 237, allowing the Clark County Commission to implement additional revenue sources for transportation improvements.

The citizens committee that worked so hard for more than a year on this project tasted the fruit of their labors with this auspicious passage. They did their job well; and now it is the job of the Regional Transportation Commission and our member governments to focus on the plan and continue on our road ahead.

If you've been following the activities outlined for the Fair Share Funding Program, you know what a monumental challenge this is: hundreds of miles of additional high speed lane miles; more transit routes and vehicles; transportation for our senior population; traffic signal system improvements; traffic management programs that include ramp meters, freeway message signs and High Occupancy Vehicle lanes; and bicycle facilities. This multi-modal plan will help steer us away from the 2,300 miles of gridlock traffic we were quickly driving directly towards in 2025.

Over the next 25 years approximately $2.7 billion in transportation improvements will be funded through a combination of development, retail sales and jet aviation fuel taxes and the redirection of existing property taxes. Needless to say, this is the most aggressive public works plans ever put into place in our great state. It is vital to our future, and it directly affects every member of our community.

And changes are already taking place. The Citizens Area Transit bus system is on the road to recovery as we restore some of the service eliminated with budget setbacks. Plans are in the works to identify -- and purchase -- additional transit vehicles that best meet our community's travel needs. Priority road construction projects, such as the full buildout of the Las Vegas Beltway, have already been identified so there is no delay when funding begins rolling in. And a traffic signal study is under way in four major corridors of our valley, with an estimated signal timing revision to be completed by the end of the year.

Though individual vehicles and transit are the most popular modes of travel, in that order and definitely not running "neck and neck," our commitment to alternative transportation and quality of life extend well beyond these two modes. The recent adoption of new street standards is just one example of the progress we are all making together. The process began with an initial study of the current pedestrian and bicyclist situation in Las Vegas and included the participation of traffic engineers, public safety agencies, planning experts and the public. Cooperation, open discussion and alternative solutions resulted in new street standards that will require wider sidewalks, a common space for bicyclists, buffers between auto and pedestrian traffic and designated space for light poles and other sidewalk obstacles for all future roadway facilities.

A collaborative process is the backbone of transportation decisions that are made at the RTC. This not only allows residents to be a part of building a home to be proud of, but it also allows us to make the best transportation decisions possible and make the most positive impact. Each project is evidence of the concern we share as a community for our current well-being and that of future generations.

We can and will continue to thrive as a community. As we continue to strive to make responsible decisions that will benefit future generations, we ask the citizens for whom we work to make their voices heard.

We will continue making transportation investments the right way -- with a cooperative effort that ensures the decisions we make create a safer, better place to live. Together we can build a great place to live for which our children and grandchildren can thank us.