Stimulus projects outlined by RTC

Let the healing ... er ... paving begin.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada plans to spend most of its nearly $40 million of federal stimulus funding on laying asphalt down on Clark County roads.

Nevada will receive about $200 million for transportation projects via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 of which $38.8 million was specifically allocated to the Transportation Commission.

The money will be divided up and given to the different government entities in Clark County based on a formula of population and assessed value of property, said Transportation Commission General Manager Jacob Snow.

"This equitably and expeditiously spends the money," Snow said. "This makes sure everyone gets something."

The breakdown includes:

• Clark County, $15.9 million.

• Las Vegas, $9.9 million.

•North Las Vegas, $4.8 million.

• Henderson, $6.2 million.

• Boulder City, $1 million.

• Mesquite, $1 million.

A list of how each entity plans on spending the stimulus money shows mostly paving projects. Other projects include bus stop rehabilitation and some fiber optic work.

Snow said the projects on the list will go a long way in employing myriad construction workers, including those specializing in concrete, asphalt, carpentry, electric and some high tech work.

In terms of transportation funding, $40 million isn't a whole lot.

The Transportation Commission was faced with a choice of doing one bigger project or a bunch of smaller ones.

"We wanted to spread the money around," Snow said. "By breaking it up into smaller construction projects, it creates the most jobs for Southern Nevadans."

Snow said he expects all contracts for work to be signed and construction of most of the projects under way within 120 days.

While the stimulus bill allows metropolitan planning organizations across the nation, such as the Transportation Commission, to spend the money over a year's time, Snow said he wants to "demonstrate that (Southern Nevada) can spend the money well and show that we'd be a good candidate for any reapportionment funding."

The stimulus act gives a deadline on when the funding must be spent, or it goes back to Congress for reapportionment.

Separately, the Transportation Commission will receive about $33.6 million to spend on transit projects.

Snow said the money will be used to help construct the Downtown Transit Center, build a park-and-ride location and establish the Boulder Highway Ace bus route.

The Transportation Commission will vote on the project list on March 12. Snow said he has heard no objections so far.

The Transportation Commission will keep track of how many jobs the money creates as required by the stimulus act.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904.