CAMPO starts work on transport funding

Five transport projects totaling more than $775,000 got priority rankings Wednesday from a regional transportation panel for possible funding, but only $480,000 might get authorized.

The Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization ranked a $47,500 Lyon County project first, three larger ones from Carson City behind it and a V&T Railway depot and track project last. The request from the Nevada Commission for Reconstruction of the V&T Railway was largest, at $250,000, for first-phase work.

Requests for the federal Transportation Alternatives Program money go next to the Nevada Department of Transportation; CAMPO staff said has indicated the area’s allocation likely is $480,000. However, there was some discussion that more might be available from other funds through NDOT.

But with the $480,000 figure in mind, CAMPO members noted financing for the Lyon County work to enhance safety near Dayton schools and two of the three Carson City proposals would get full funding, the third in the capital city just partial funding. Under that scenario, the V&T Eastgate depot and track enhancement plans would be left out.

The Carson City projects include $199,500 for an improved pathway on the south side of East William Street between Saliman Road and just west of the freeway; $100,000 for sidewalk and a crosswalk on the south side of College Parkway leading onto the Western Nevada College campus; and $180,000 for path upgrades and replacement along the north side of U.S. Highway 50 East from Lompa Lane to College Parkway/Fairview Drive.

Priority for those three city project proposals went in that order, meaning the last of the trio might come up short.

CAMPO members also learned the intercity cash bus fare for one-way rides to Reno, done in cooperation with the Washoe Regional Transportation Commission, is expected to increase from $4 to $5 on Aug. 11.

Carson City’s Regional Transportation Commission also met Wednesday, approving the first of three one-year options for operation of the JAC by MV Transportation through Sept. 30, 2014. Cost was pegged at $633,121.80.