Sat, Nov 1, 2008 (2:06 a.m.)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., made a valid point Tuesday at UNLV when he advised a group of government, political and economic leaders from Nevada to forge a regional partnership with their counterparts in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah to tackle water, transportation and energy needs.

Thanks to the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank that hosted the event attended by 150 people, conversations about a regional effort are now taking place in all five states, known as the “southern Intermountain West.”

A partnership is necessary so that these states — each with what Brookings called “megametro” areas that have been growing — can more effectively lobby Congress and draw national attention to their needs.

“The West is way behind the times,” Reid said.

As noted by Mark Muro, policy director of Brookings’ Metropolitan Policy Program, the five states combined can be expected to receive eight more electoral votes in presidential elections by 2030 because of population growth. The region would be wise to take advantage of that additional clout to demand from Washington its fair share of help to build modern transportation systems and water projects.

Reid offered sage advice when he said the states should take the initiative to develop a regional plan, rather than rely on Washington. But for the initiative to succeed, it will require the states and their congressional delegations to work together.

Las Vegas Sun reporters Joe Schoenmann and Lisa Mascaro wrote Wednesday that Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., who was scheduled to attend the event, was a no-show. Reid said Ensign couldn’t attend because of a scheduling conflict, but Ensign spokesman Tory Mazzola declined to elaborate on the senator’s whereabouts.

It’s too bad Ensign didn’t make an appearance because water, transportation and energy shortcomings are among the most critical issues facing Nevada and those neighboring states. He should take Reid’s lead and become a full participant in these issues. Ensign should also make every effort to attend future meetings when invited to discuss the regional initiative.