The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is marking United for Infrastructure (UFI) Week, going from May 13-17. The UFI is a nationwide event to raise awareness about the importance of infrastructure, advocating for improvements that address some of the nation’s toughest challenges in transit, transportation, water systems, energy and more.
“The RTC, like many agencies across the country, will soon face a financial crunch if new funding sources are not identified for transit and roadway projects,” said MJ Maynard, RTC CEO. “Despite our growing population and increases in tourism, we have not invested in transit for more than 20 years while demand for services has increased, particularly amongst our most vulnerable communities, including seniors, veterans, students and persons with disabilities. Infrastructure funding for both roadway maintenance and the development of new road projects and initiatives is critical to support Southern Nevada’s unprecedented growth while ensuring the encouragement of ongoing investment in the region.”
Maynard said the RTC is very proud of its track record as one of the country’s most efficient transportation agencies with the nation’s lowest public subsidy and low operating cost.
“But efficient operations are not enough to close the gap between what Southern Nevada needs to continue to grow, prosper and attract new investment and our current funding sources for transit and roadway construction," noted Maynard. "The value of a quality public transportation system cannot be overstated. It’s also a quality of life and safety issue, so it’s a top priority for our agency as we continue to work with stakeholders, legislators, our board, local municipalities, community partners and others to ensure we can identify a sustainable source of funding to keep Southern Nevada growing and moving.”
Relative to roadway funding, fuel revenue indexing (FRI), which began in 2014 and continues through 2026, has successfully funded 674 roadway projects with 439 of those completed to date. In recent years, the volume of funding generated by FRI has declined due to an increase in the sale of fuel-efficient, electric and hybrid vehicles. FRI, which is set to end after 2026, will leave more than $2 billion in unfunded projects still in the pipeline, if not extended.
According to Maynard, the RTC’s oversight and management of critical functions foundational to the community’s prosperity and the well-being of its residents is best visualized by the numbers that speak volumes about the agency’s regional impact.
