MINUTES OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION Sixty-eighth Session March 30, 1995 The Senate Committee on Transportation was called to order by Chairman William R. O'Donnell, at 1:42 p.m., on Thursday, March 30, 1995, in Room 226 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Senator William R. O'Donnell, Chairman Senator Maurice Washington, Vice Chairman Senator Lawrence E. Jacobsen Senator Jon C. Porter Senator Joseph M. Neal, Jr. Senator Raymond C. Shaffer Senator O. C. Lee STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Don O. Williams, Chief Principal Research Analyst Diane Rea, Committee Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: Richard Wiggins, Senior Planner, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Tom Fronapfel, Assistant Director, Planning and Programs, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Senator O'Donnell opened the hearing on Assembly Concurrent Resolution (A.C.R.) 5. ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 5: Expresses support of Nevada Legislature for participation of Department of Transportation in certain projects in Lake Tahoe Basin. (BDR R-315) Richard Wiggins, Senior Planner, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), testified that they recommend passage of the bill. The TRPA works closely with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). They have studies and projects going on right now, and feel support by the NDOT is necessary for the TRPA to conduct these projects. Senator Jacobsen stated that the TRPA started back in the late [19]60s and he had been one of the proposers to continue the TRPA effort. He said that he is disappointed that nothing seems to be accomplished. Both states support the projects financially, but nothing seems to be completed. Mr. Wiggins stated that The Tahoe Intercity Rail Study is primarily a California project to achieve a rail network from Sacramento to south shore. The recommendation should be out, in the next month or so, from CalTrans. The NDOT has worked with them as a partner, but it has been primarily a California effort. Senator O'Donnell stated that Nevada's participation is minimal, but Nevada will be the recipient of the tourists that will arrive here by rail. Senator Neal asked if the bill is asking for the Legislature to express its support for the NDOT to participate in certain projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin? What is the other project besides The Tahoe Intercity Rail Study? Mr. Wiggins replied that the one specifically mentioned in the resolution is The TransCal Field Operation Test. That project is a high-tech advance traveler information system to let travelers know if there are congestion problems or road closure problems, etc. A frequent transit passenger program would award people who use the transit system into the south shore. Senator Neal asked if California has developed any of that yet? Mr. Wiggins stated that the work plan and contract have been worked up. The actual times of implementation, he is not sure of; but believes the transit passenger line is planned for 1997. The TRPA is trying to implement a trolley system into the Nevada side this summer, but that deals with the county funding. Senator Porter asked if, in supporting this resolution, is the committee saying that this is okay? What does this accomplish? Senator O'Donnell replied that when anything is done at the lake, bi-state approval and cooperation is needed. This tells CalTrans that Nevada wants to participate in an intercity rail operation. This just expresses support of the ideas. Senator O'Donnell closed the hearing on A.C.R. 5. Senator O'Donnell opened the hearing on Assembly Joint Resolution 10. ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 10: Expresses continued support for designation of Tahoe Regional Planning Agency as Metropolitan Planning Organization. (BDR R-316) Mr. Wiggins expressed the TRPA's support for passage of the resolution. For several years the TRPA has been seeking Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) status; because they believe they would receive additional transportation planning dollars, and additional opportunities for capitol and operation dollars for transit systems. An MPO status would involve administrative requirements; and they realize those and fully intend to follow them. Senator Neal asked how many local governments are participating? Mr. Wiggins replied that they are required to have 75 percent of the local population support. In 1993, TRPA had that from the cities and South Lake Tahoe. He said he believes they would still have that support. Senator Jacobsen asked if the resolution really has any emphasis? Mr. Wiggins replied that from the TRPA's prospective, it does. They can go to the federal government and say that they have the support of the Nevada Legislature. Senator O'Donnell stated that the Tahoe Basin has a problem because Washoe County, Douglas County, El Dorado County, and Placer County are part of the basin. That is why there is a problem getting the Tahoe Basin designated as an MPO. If it is not designated as an MPO, TRPA does not get the federal dollars for the Tahoe Basin. Senator Jacobsen asked if the committee supports the resolution, does that open the door for the TRPA to say that they need a few more people to cover the additional responsibility? Senator O'Donnell stated that is possible, but the federal funding increases with the resolution. Tom Fronapfel, Assistant Director, Planning and Programs, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), testified that he agrees with Mr. Wiggins comments. It is much more beneficial for the basin; and does afford the opportunity to acquire additional federal funding. Dealing with MPOs is beneficial for the state of Nevada, also. Senator O'Donnell closed the hearing on A.J.R. 10. SENATOR WASHINGTON MOVED TO DO PASS ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 5. SENATOR NEAL SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * SENATOR PORTER MOVED TO DO PASS ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 10. SENATOR JACOBSEN SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. * * * * * Senator O'Donnell adjourned the meeting at 2:00 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Diane C. Rea, Committee Secretary APPROVED BY: Senator William R. O'Donnell, Chairman DATE: Senate Committee on Transportation March 30, 1995 Page