Assembly Bill 256, brought forward by Reno Assemblymember Selena La Rue Hatch, has the potential to form a Regional Rail Transit Advisory Working Group to examine the necessity and possibility of mass rail transit throughout Nevada’s largest metro areas.
The bill also has a variety of funding mechanisms for the potential rail systems laid out in its plan. If formed, the group would submit a variety of legislative recommendations to be considered during the 2027 Legislative Session. La Rue Hatch stated the creation of more rail lines would reduce traffic and emissions that drive climate change.
Regional transportation groups have done several feasibility studies regarding rail systems. In 2017, legislators granted southern Nevada the option to pursue a rail system. After examining whether or not a rail system would work, officials decided to move forward with an enhanced bus system instead.
La Rue Hatch said a reason why rail systems fail is because plans are not made to get the projects off the ground. AB256 would attempt to consolidate efforts and use pre-existing work to develop and recommend options to the legislature.
Supporters of the bill said Nevada’s increasing population is further driving the need for transportation improvements across the board. New roads and road expansions are often expensive and time-consuming endeavors.
Funding for these projects may become convoluted, as the Trump Administration is averse to using federal funding for environmentally focused transportation projects. Other funding sources may be derived through the State of Nevada, private entities and nonprofits.
Supporters of the bill also claimed rail systems enhance the economies of local communities by bringing more foot traffic into local businesses. Business groups and environmental organizers were some of the most vocal supporters of the bill.
The bill was presented Mar. 4, with no action being taken. (Source)
