Editorial: Avoiding gridlock

Friday, April 6, 2007 | 7:15 a.m.

Brace yourself for more time behind the steering wheel as you try to navigate the Las Vegas Valley's highways.

There could be gridlock between the Legislature and Gov. Jim Gibbons on how to solve the expected shortfall of at least $3.8 billion to pay for critical highway construction over the next eight years, and that could lead to little, if anything, being done this session.

Lawmakers are considering a thoughtful, thorough report by a blue-ribbon task force that suggested several ways to raise the money, including various fee and tax increases, but the governor said he will not support fee or tax increases.

Instead, Gibbons has proposed "public-private partnerships" - toll roads - as a "creative" way to pay for construction. On Thursday he appointed a panel to help develop and review proposed partnerships, and he wants the Legislature to give him "enabling legislation" - carte blanche - to move forward with those partnerships, whatever they be. That, of course, would be foolish. Gibbons has yet to show any real grasp of the issue, which is growing worse - and more expensive - by the day. Susan Martinovich, director of the state Transportation Department, said the cost of road construction has grown by almost 45 percent in the past three years.

Given the void of leadership in the governor's office, legislative leaders will have to act and develop a plan that has the foresight to pay for road construction over the next several years. Undoubtedly that will include fee increases, which will mean a showdown with the governor, who is desperately holding onto his no-new-taxes campaign promise. To raise fees - such as a proposed $10 increase on vehicle, title and driver's license fees - the Legislature will need a two-thirds majority, which also is enough to override a veto.

It is imperative that lawmakers act this session. Traffic congestion is an issue facing everyone in Southern Nevada and is a key component of quality of life. If the Legislature fails to act, expect Southern Nevada's freeways to move closer toward gridlock.