1 Developing the Plan

Transcription

1 1 Developing the Plan Regional Transportation Commission: Who Are We? This Plan has been prepared by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. The Commission (RTC) has many roles as a regional organization serving Clark County, Nevada. The RTC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region, designated under federal regulation by the Governor of Nevada. The MPO is responsible for overseeing the transportation planning process for the region. In addition, the RTC directs the expenditure of funds generated from various local taxes for transportation purposes, as well as funds allocated to the region by the Federal transportation agencies. The RTC is the regional transit agency providing service for the general public and paratransit services for disabled persons. The agency also promotes transportation demand management activities including the Club Ride program. Finally, the RTC coordinates traffic signal timing and synchronization for the region through the Freeway and Arterial System of Transportation (FAST). The RTC has a governing Board of Commissioners composed of elected officials appointed from each of the local jurisdictions in Clark County. (See figure 1-1.) The Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation serves as an ex-officio member of the Board. Due to the wide range of programs the RTC oversees, it has a committee and membership structure that provides input on a regular basis. There is an Executive Advisory Committee (EAC), made up of technical staff from each jurisdiction, that provides recommendations to the RTC Board of Commissioners. Three subcommittees provide knowledge and input on specific issues within the realm of transportation planning. Also, there is a citizen committee called the Transportation Access Advisory Committee (TAAC). It includes older Americans, disabled persons, and their representatives and provides input on the transit and paratransit system and other transportation access issues that may affect them. Figure 1-1: Local Entities & RTC Commissioners, 2008 Why We Need This Plan This Regional Transportation Plan, or RTP, is a comprehensive and long range plan for the transportation system of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. It sets out the transportation investments needed between now and the year The RTC is required by federal transportation law to update the RTP every four years and the current Plan was approved in We are updating the RTP now mainly because the funding environment has changed since the last one was prepared. From 2005 to 2006, the local revenues used to build, operate, and maintain the transportation system were rising. Federal funding was stable while at the state level, there was serious consideration of new initiatives that would address anticipated funding shortfalls for many state programs, including transportation. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

2 Today, growth in federal, state, and local funding has stalled at all levels and revenues are now running well short of what is needed. Urban growth in Clark County has slowed down but not stopped, while major developments are likely to accelerate growth again in the near future. In the longer term, recently updated population forecasts indicate that by 2030, the economy of the area will support a population that is almost double what it is now. This growth depends on three factors: an increase in tourist travel, sustained commercial goods flows, and, as an end result of the first two factors, an ever-increasing volume of traffic on our roadways. For these reasons, the RTC determined that it needed to reevaluate what we can afford to do with present revenue streams and to identify the challenges faced in trying to deal with increased demand for travel at a time of static resources. Another reason to prepare an update at this time is that the plan needs to fully comply with the requirements of federal legislation known as SAFETEA-LU. This is the most recent in a series of federal transportation bills that periodically re-authorizes expenditures under the federal transportation programs. (See text box.) The RTP is the guiding document for directing the expenditure of federal transportation funds. Projects in the RTP may be prioritized to be placed in the more detailed four-year Transportation Improvement Program, approval of which gives federal authority for the expenditure of funds. Federal Transportation Bills 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) 1998 Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU ) The passage of ISTEA in 1991 closely followed the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and together these two pieces of legislation expanded the role of the MPOs in ensuring that transportation plans and programs promote better air quality. The Las Vegas Valley has long been identified as a nonattainment area for Particulate Matter and for Carbon Monoxide that is, the region does not meet national standards for healthy air. More recently, much of Clark County has been designated as being in non-attainment for Ozone. The RTC is responsible for demonstrating that the traffic growth anticipated in the RTP will not cause air pollution to exceed certain benchmarks, or budgets established by the Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management. Recognizing the special nature of the transportation problems of the major metropolitan areas,.these areas including Las Vegas have been designated as Transportation Management Areas, or TMAs, within which MPOs are given expanded responsibilities in planning for the safe and efficient movement of traffic. SAFETEA-LU further strengthened the role of MPOs in regard to the management of congestion. In particular the RTP has to establish processes that will address congestion management through the use of travel demand reduction and operational management strategies. Within TMAs that are also non-attainment areas, projects that significantly increase general purpose highway capacity can only be approved if they are addressed through a congestion management process. In May, 2006 the US Secretary of Transportation announced a National Strategy to Reduce Congestion on America s Transportation Network that called for the widespread deployment of new operational technologies and practices to alleviate congestion. So far as MPOs are concerned, the effect of the National Strategy is to place the provisions of SAFETA-LU in a wider context of how best to manage our transportation infrastructure so as to get the maximum efficiency out of both past and future investments. At a time of uncertainty about funding, this emphasis on efficiency gains an added significance, as it is the clear intent of both SAFETEA-LU and the National Strategy to promote the use of system operations and management tools as major elements of the transportation planning process. 2 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

3 Where Are We? The RTC is a regional agency whose area of responsibility covers all of Clark County at the southern tip of the State of Nevada. It is normal practice to refer to the area of RTC responsibility as Southern Nevada, to distinguish regional functions from the administrative responsibilities of Clark County government. In this document the terms Southern Nevada and the region are used interchangeably. Clark County refers either to functions and programs of Clark County government or to attributes of the unincorporated county. Las Vegas Valley (or just the Valley ) refers to the urban core of the region that comprises the three cities of Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas together with adjoining developed parts of unincorporated Clark County. The Valley is defined as the area within the BLM Land Disposal Area Boundary established by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 2002 ( the BLM Disposal Boundary ). In this document, the term Urbanized Area is used only in the context of the specific area defined under federal transportation regulations. The boundary of the Las Vegas Urbanized Area is similar to but less extensive than the BLM Disposal Boundary. Under these initiatives, projects in the RTP must be developed with regard to the objectives of the congestion management process. Collectively, the projects included in the RTP must meet two criteria they must be capable of being implemented with funds that can reasonably be assumed to be available and they must not contribute to any new violations of the federal clean air standards. The RTP may discuss the need for projects that cannot be funded with current or projected revenues as part of the overall vision of the MPO for the future of transportation in the area. Projects cannot be moved into the federal program until funding can be identified and air quality requirements satisfied. In defining the RTP s purpose and content, the federal legislation defines eight planning factors. The RTP is required to address eight planning factors, as required by federal legislation. w Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency. w Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. w Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. w Increase the accessibility and mobility options available to people and freight. w Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth and economic development patterns. w Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight. w Promote efficient system management and operation. w Emphasize the preservation of the existing system. The RTP considers these factors in the context of the RTC s vision and goals, as discussed in the next section. RTP Graphics Full page sixed graphics of all RTP figures are available in Appendix 7. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

4 Our Vision The RTC, along with its partner jurisdictions and agencies, is responsible for addressing the transportation needs generated by Clark County s explosive growth. Earlier in the decade, the RTC made strides in obtaining local funding sources to alleviate the traffic congestion and air quality problems. These funds, along with those from the state and federal governments, have been used to secure better traffic signals and more travel lanes. However, alleviating traffic congestion is more than just adding capacity and infrastructure on the roads. Back in 1991, ISTEA changed how urbanized areas must plan for transportation. In particular, it directed MPOs to focus on improvements in regional mobility for all modes of transportation. For the first time, the federal government formally recognized the need for MPOs to consider activities such as bicycling and walking as legitimate forms of transportation. In 1998, TEA-21 continued to elevate alternative modes of transportation to the same status as motorized travel. SAFETEA-LU reiterates the required consideration of planning, evaluation, and maintenance of nonmotorized travel in metropolitan areas. The current federal legislation encourages major cities to look at increasing the mobility of citizens by providing safe and convenient transportation options for all. The RTC has responded to the federal call for action by adding more bikeways, sidewalks, and better performing transit vehicles. In general, the greater Las Vegas Valley is still dealing with the challenges brought on by continued growth. With this task in mind, the RTC is guided by the following transportation vision: Along with this vision, the RTC has set the following goals for its long-range plan: w Implement transportation systems that improve air quality and protect the environment. w Develop fully integrated modal options. w Enhance the efficiency of existing transportation facilities. w Improve access to mass transportation facilities and services. w Secure funding for expansion, operations and maintenance of systems and routes. w Enhance public awareness and support of the regional transportation system. w Improve safety for all travelers. w Improve security for all travelers. w Support more efficient freight movement. These goals are implemented through a series of objectives that are specific programs, policies, and projects designed to meet one or more measures of effectiveness. As appropriate, these are included in the discussion of projects. Many RTC policies and programs are already implemented or are being implemented through means other than the projects developed through this RTP. For a full accounting of the relationship between goals and RTC activities, see Chapter 4. The following chapters and supporting documents of the RTP will provide local decision-makers the foundation needed to make decisions on future transportation projects. It will also be used to assure federal funding authorities and local citizens that the RTC is responding correctly to transportation growth issues. Provide a safe, convenient and effective regional transportation system that enhances mobility and air quality for citizens and visitors. 4 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

5 What We Have Accomplished In 1992, the RTC initiated the first major attempt at integrated funding of local transportation projects with the issuance of Question 10. The positive impact of the projects funded through this mechanism led to the issuance of a second Question 10 program in 2001 to further improve the Valley s transportation network. The following is a review of what has happened in the Valley and what the RTC and its partner agencies have accomplished over these seventeen years. Since 1990, the population has grown by 133 percent, with nearly 1 million new residents in the Las Vegas Valley. Traffic grew even faster, with a 157 percent increase since (See figure 1-2.) Figure 1-2: Population and Vehicle Miles, In response to this growth, the RTC has directed the revenues generated by the Question 10 initiatives to numerous roadway projects sponsored by Clark County and the incorporated cities in the region. Additional projects on the freeways and state highways have been funded by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) using both federal program funds and the proceeds of the State Gas Tax. In 1992, the RTC assumed responsibility for the provision of transit services in the Las Vegas area. Transit service had previously been provided by a private operator using publicly-owned buses. With the aid of revenues generated under the Question 10 initiatives, the RTC has been able to expand into one of the most successful and cost-effective bus systems in the nation. The 2001 initiative also provided funding to support the operation of the FAST regional traffic management system, as well as the development of a region-wide network of bike facilities and other multi-modal initiatives. Major accomplishments Streets and Highways w Initial construction of the Las Vegas Beltway w Reconstruction of the Spaghetti Bowl interchange w Widening of I-15 between the California state line and downtown Las Vegas w Construction of the I-215/I-515 Henderson Spaghetti Bowl interchange w Construction of fly-over ramps at the major interchanges with I-15 along the Strip w Completion of Summerlin Parkway w Widening of US 95 between Laughlin and Boulder City w Widening of US 95 and adding carpool lanes west of downtown Las Vegas w Creation of the Desert Inn superarterial across I-15 and the Strip w Completion of the Auto Show interchange. In total, the number of highway lane-miles almost doubled, but even this has not kept up with the demands of growth. (See figure 1-3.) The average speed on the region s arterial roadways has actually decreased from 35.5 mph in 2003 to 34.4 mph in Figure 1-3: Highway Lane Miles, REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

6 Transit Since its inception in December 1992, RTC Transit has added new routes, improved service frequencies and extended service to transit markets throughout the Valley. Annual ridership has increased from 22 million in 1994 to over 62 million today. (See figure 1-4.) In 2004, RTC Transit launched its first Bus Rapid Transit service along Las Vegas Boulevard North. The system includes off-board fare collection, level platform boarding, faster travel speed (due to separate travel lanes), and sleek, attractive vehicles saw the replacement of conventional bus service along the Las Vegas Strip with the Deuce double-deck buses and other service enhancements that have resulted in ridership of more than 30,000 passengers a day. During the 1990s, RTC Transit introduced ADAcompliant paratransit service for those physically unable to access regular bus service, as well as Silver Star routes catering to the needs of the senior population. All RTC Transit vehicles are ADA compliant, accommodate packages, and allow service animals for the visually impaired. Figure 1-4: Transit Ridership, The Southern Nevada Transit Coalition operates steadily expanding service to the communities of Laughlin and Mesquite, in partnership with NDOT and the RTC. FAST (System Operations) w Development of signal timing and optimization on miles of arterial roadways w Institution of comprehensive traffic monitoring on I-15 w Installation of 75 traffic cameras w Installation of 20 dynamic message signs w Installation of 15 ramp meters w Institution of the Freeway Motorists Assistance service patrol w Construction of the FAST Operations Management Center Creation of Modal Alternatives w Construction of 12 pedestrian over-bridges on the Las Vegas Strip w Institution of the RTC s Club Ride travel demand management program and increase in membership from 2,655 in 2005 to 4,755 in w Creation of 381 miles of bike lanes, paths and trails w Development of standards for sidewalks and bus pullouts on all RTC-supported road projects w Creation of the preferred alternate standards, such as wider sidewalks, buffers, and bike lanes, used under scenarios such as complete streets w Creation of the new consolidated rental car facility near McCarran Airport w Expansion of the South Strip Transit Terminal to include 100 additional park and ride spaces w Bikes on buses increased from 41,500 per month in 2003 to 55,000 in 2007 Air Quality and Quality of Life Issues w 1,335 hybrid vehicles were registered in Nevada in 2006 and the number is expected to increase to 3,421 in 2008 w Total alternate fuel vehicles increased from 6,169 in 2003 to 9,785 in 2006 w The rate of fatalities has decreased from 2.05/100M vehicle miles traveled in 2005 to 2.00 in REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

7 Figure 1-5: Accomplishments, REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

8 Summary With all of these accomplishments flowing from the two Question 10 initiatives, the RTC has been able to alleviate the negative effects of congestion and traffic, particularly during the last several years. The Texas Transportation Institute s (TTI) Annual Urban Mobility Report shows that Las Vegas is within the median range of large urban areas in key mobility measures and transportation trends, and it also shows that our transportation investments are paying off. The TTI study shows that, although annual highway delay per person had increased by 27 hours between 1982 and 1995, it has increased by only two hours since then. The study also shows our public transportation system now reduces over 2.4 million hours of travel time and saves our bus riders over $46 million in costs. The past seventeen years show that a balanced, regionally-based approach to transportation planning can make a difference in traffic and congestion, even as we add more residents. The RTCs collective challenge is to keep up the good work. How We Developed the Draft Plan RTC staff started to develop the RTP soon after the existing Plan was approved in The first step was to have extensive discussions with the federal and state transportation agencies about the steps needed to take to make the RTP fully compliant with the provisions of SAFETEA-LU. One thing that was needed was to update the Public Participation Plan. We reviewed our public involvement procedures and conducted outreach on the proposed update in 2007 and early The public involvement procedures now being used are attached in the RTP supporting documents. A survey of transit riders was completed in We also shared results of a survey initiated by NDOT for their Statewide Plan to get additional input on transportation issues that people think are important. During late 2007 and early 2008, the RTC elicited public input at Transportation Fairs held throughout the Valley and a public meeting held at the RTC administrative building. SAFETEA-LU included a requirement to produce the Coordinated Public Transit - Human Services Transportation Plan to guide the selection of projects under certain FTA funding programs. There was extensive discussion with local human services and transportation providers about the transportation needs of their clients. The resulting Plan was adopted in June of 2008 and is included in the RTP supporting documents. SAFETEA-LU also requires us to reach out to other government agencies with an interest in land use and environmental, historic and cultural resource protection. An open meeting was held in the fall of 2007 with continuing discussions with these agencies to learn more of their concerns. Chapter 3 includes an assessment of those areas where proposed transportation investments may have impacts on natural and cultural resources. To aid project sponsors, discussion of the various mitigation strategies that could be employed to minimize the impact of projects on the environment and cultural resources are included. At the same time, Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Nevada Las Vegas developed new regional forecasts of economic and population growth, while our local jurisdictional partners updated their projections of land uses in the Valley, based on the regional forecasts. These forecasts are set out in Appendix 3. RTC used the forecasts to revise the predictions of travel demand, traffic growth, and the analysis of air quality impacts. Early in 2007, the RTC worked with its advisory committees to update goals, objectives, and measures of effectiveness. Accomplishments included herein are associated with RTP objectives and consistent with adopted measures of effectiveness. (See Chapter 4 for more information.) Starting in the fall of 2007, the RTC worked with partner jurisdictions to develop the list of strategic investments to be included in the Plan. Special attention was paid to the issue of fiscal constraint, the requirement funding must be identified for project included in the Plan. As part of this, all project costs have been converted into Year-of- Expenditure terms, so it is clearer how costs can be expected to rise over time due to inflation. 8 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

9 During this process it became evident that needs far exceed reasonable resources, so the RTP classifies many projects as Unfunded Needs. These projects are not included in the analysis of the impact on air quality (air quality conformity analysis) and cannot move forward in the federal funding process. However, they are shown in the Plan to provide the public and interested parties an indication of what is necessary to meet the mobility needs of the region. The RTC Committees were informed of the RTP draft development progress. Also, the RTC website and other agency outreach activities were used to let people know the document was being prepared. Opportunity to Comment The public comment period on the draft Plan began September 2, 2008 and ended October 16, The draft Plan was available on the web site, rtcsnv.com, and copies can be read at public libraries and planning and public works offices throughout Southern Nevada. Comments received during the comment period are placed in Appendix 2. Our Policy for Involving the Community The RTC, as the agency responsible for transportation activities, makes public participation and communication a priority to ensure transportation improvements in Southern Nevada meet the needs of local residents. The RTC is committed in providing comprehensive information, engaging the public, consulting public agencies, and eliciting public comment on its plans and programs. SAFETEA-LU requires that there be a Public Participation Plan that is developed in consultation with all interested parties. SAFETEA-LU defines Interested Parties as: w Citizens, w Affected jurisdictional public agencies, w Representatives of Public Transportation Employees, w Freight Shippers, w Private (including non-profit) Providers of Transportation, w Representatives of Users of Public Transportation, w Representatives of Users of Pedestrian Walkways and Bicycle Transportation Facilities, w Representatives of the Disabled, w Providers of Freight Transportation Services, and w Other Interested Parties. The citizen participation outreach activities used by the RTC include: w Public hearings and meetings conducted throughout the region, w Posting of draft documents on the RTC website and providing a public comment webpage, w Public comment periods, and w Integrating RTP outreach into ongoing activities, such as transportation fairs, participation in other agency outreach activities, media relations, and special events. When it comes to involving the public, the aim is to be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive. RTC Board of Commissioners As established by state law, all meetings of the RTC Board of Commissioners are publicly advertised and open to public participation. The RTP and Transportation Improvement Program are adopted by the Board of Commissioners during one of the public meetings. Advisory Committees Federal citizen participation requirements have heightened the need for advisory committees. Collectively, membership for those committees include all groups specified in SAFETEA-LU. All meetings are open to the public in accordance with the State of Nevada Open Meeting Law (NRS Chapter 241). Public comment on products of the planning process is accepted in either written or oral format at the RTC and at all committee meetings. The RTP is presented for review and adoption recommendation to the citizens committee, the Metropolitan Planning Subcommittee, and the EAC prior to adoption. REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

10 Citizens Committee As part of the regular work of TAAC, each of the elements of the RTP is presented to the Committee. Typically, the sections are heard two at a time and members comments are elicited. The RTP is presented as a whole for their review and recommended for adoption afterwards. Agency Consultation A description of the EAC, its subcommittees, and their memberships is displayed in the Public Participation Plan. One or more of these committees include representatives of all jurisdictional public works and planning departments and NDOT as appropriate. Also included on the Metropolitan Planning Subcommittee are representatives of the Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental Management, Clark County Department of Aviation, transit services contractors, urban goods/freight transportation industry, taxicab or private motor carrier industry, Clark County School District, Southern Nevada Water Authority, and the Bureau of Land Management in Nevada. During the development process of the RTP, other federal, state, and local partners were consulted, including: US Bureau of Reclamation, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada State Historic Preservation Office, Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition, and UNLV. Other state and local government offices, as well as non-profit groups and other service providers, were consulted and later notified when the RTP draft was available and to provide comment. Consultation with NDOT, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) occurs at monthly meetings. Agency representatives may attend by telephone. Agenda items include all topics of mutual interest. RTC participated with NDOT in consultations with public and elected officials, transportation staff, Native American communities, and other interested parties in Nye and Lincoln Counties. The RTP must also be consistent with NDOT s statewide long-range transportation plan, including transportation projects listed in both documents. The requirement regarding consistency comes from Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (k). NDOT s statewide policy plan discusses the development and implementation of Nevada s multimodal transportation system. It discusses public transportation, non-motorized modes, rail, commercial motor vehicle, waterway, and aviation facilities. Copies of NDOT s statewide policy plan are located at statewidetransportationplan/. Public Forums The RTC plans and conducts public meetings and hearings to provide citizens with the opportunity to give input and receive information on transportation projects and policy changes. These hearings are usually held during a public comment period and are posted at local government offices, as well as advertised in a variety of local print publications and on the RTC web site. Outreach to minority publications is an element of the public advertisement procedure. Surveys in support of the Public Participation Plan and the RTP were conducted at Transportation Fairs, on board buses, and, by NDOT, on the web. Responses to comments made during the public comment period are included in the Public Participation Plan, a supporting document to this RTP. Surveys A brief survey was undertaken at Transportation Fairs held in October People at the fairs were offered a business reply postcard, which they could complete in person during the fair or deliver by mail at a later time. The two questions concerned the preferred contact methods and important transportation issues. Results have been integrated into the Public Participation Plan and RTP priorities. NDOT has been conducting a survey through its website since March The RTC affords those visiting its website an opportunity to ask to be contacted by on matters concerning the RTP. These people were notified of the NDOT opportunity as well. NDOT survey respondents are asked for their zip codes, so Clark County responses were separately analyzed and results included in the RTP development process. Results are reviewed in the relevant subject areas. 10 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION OF SOUTHERN NEVADA

11 An on-board transit survey was conducted at the end of The purpose of the survey was to identify demand for transit and help refine routing. The responses were analyzed to gain insight into why people used public transit and how they got to and from the bus. These insights have reinforced the importance of providing bicycle facilities, developing park and ride lots, and employer-based facilities. Satisfaction with transit services was analyzed by route to determine if there was any difference between routes mainly serving patrons protected under Title VI (see the section Transportation in the Community - Neighborhood Impacts in Chapter 3 for more information) and those serving more general populations. There was none. Public Hearings and Meetings Several formal public hearings were conducted prior to RTC approval/adoption of the RTP. At least one informal public meeting was held for the RTP. The only topic of these public meetings and hearings was the subject plan. Notices of these public hearings and meetings were published in local newspapers of general circulation including those directed at minority communities. Copies of these notices may be found in the Appendix 2. Special exhibits were prepared to convey various aspects of the subject at the meeting. Staff members were available to answer questions. Citizens commented either in writing or verbally for recording. A court reporter was normally present to take oral comments as was a Spanish interpreter. Comments were compiled into the meeting minutes. review. Comments were provided directly on the website s RTP comment page. A final public hearing for document adoption was held. Notice of the public hearing was published in local newspapers of general circulation and posted in accordance with the Nevada Open Meeting Law. It was also featured on the RTC web site. Native American Tribal Consultation RTC staff accompanied NDOT staff to tribal consultation meetings. The Las Vegas and Moapa Paiutes have reservations within Clark County: the Las Vegas Paiutes in the urbanized area and northwest and the Moapa Paiutes in the northeast. Both communities are planning residential, industrial, and/or tourism development on their lands and are interested in cooperating with NDOT and RTC to assure adequate transportation facilities are available. Ongoing Information Activities As part of its normal public outreach activities, the RTC has developed a full range of public information activities designed to involve Clark County residents in transportation planning. A full discussion of these activities may be found in the Appendix 2. Such activities are also directed at encouraging use of public transportation, involvement in car and van pools, and travel by alternate modes. They also provide additional outlets for plan information and solicitation of public comment. As appropriate, other opportunities for public comment were offered concurrently with the public meetings at the Laughlin Town Board, and at the Boulder City and Mesquite City Councils. Staff brought the prepared exhibits and copies of the RTP. A table outside of the meeting room and a presentation as part of the public meeting agenda provided opportunities for members of the public to receive information and to comment. The RTC web site is another way for citizens to receive information and make comment. Documents were posted on the web site during the public comment period and could be downloaded for REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

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