Tuesday, March 28, 2017 | 2:02 p.m.
CARSON CITY — The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill to allow Southern Nevada to start planning and possible financing for a light rail system in Clark County.
“This is a major priority for Southern Nevada,” Committee Chairman Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas, said, referring to Senate Bill 149, which could be voted on by the full Senate next week.
It allows the Regional Transportation Commissions of Southern Nevada and Washoe County to begin looking at other modes of transportation.
The authorities could make recommendations to county commissioners to impose an added sales tax for projects. Commissioners could reject the recommendation or put the proposed tax increase to a public vote.
Sen. Scott Hammond, R-Las Vegas, said light rail would ease traffic congetsion.
Manendo said the bill would set into motion studies of the technology available and potential routes. He said the RTC could then apply for federal funds to build the project.
