RTC Receives Significant Funding for Major Project

The Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County was notified it will receive $16 million for transportation and transit enhancements for the 4th Street/Prater Way Rapid Transit Project in Reno and Sparks.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had a major role in securing the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program.

The RTC 4th Street/Prater Way Rapid Transit Project will better connect downtown Reno and downtown Sparks and revitalize the 4th Street/Prater Way corridor. The project will extend the RTC Rapid service to the 4th Street/Prater Way Corridor between RTC 4th Street Station and RTC Centennial Plaza transit terminals. Four new all-electric buses will also be purchased to serve this route. The improved transit service will create ladders of opportunity for the financially disadvantaged, connecting people to employment centers and educational institutions.

“This funding is critical in moving this project forward. When it begins, the new transit service will link people to nearly 39-thousand employment opportunities in the area already served by RTC Rapid transit and improve mobility access in the corridor for everyone,” RTC Executive Director Lee Gibson said. “We very much appreciate the support from our congressional delegation and Senator Reid’s leadership as well as the support from our community partners,” Gibson added.

“Investing in and further developing Nevada’s infrastructure will create jobs and promote economic growth, said Reid. “I am pleased southern and northern Nevada have been awarded more than $29 million in TIGER grant funding, which will allow us to update our transportation network,” said Senator Reid. “We must be able to meet the demands of the ever-increasing amount of travelers coming to our state. I remain committed to improving transportation in Nevada and will continue to fight for federal funding to improve our roads, bridges, highways and other infrastructure needs.”

“Congratulations to the RTC for being the first to bring a taxpayer-funded grant of this kind to Northern Nevada,” said Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2). “At a time when our regional economy is poised for big things, these funds will help to grow transit options between Reno and Sparks,” Amodei added.

The project includes features to accommodate all modes of transportation. There will be wider sidewalks for pedestrians and dedicated bike lanes. The project will support businesses – many of which are taking root in historical buildings. As part of the project, RTC partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno and Nevada Humanities to chronicle the stories of long-time residents of the corridor.

Planning, preliminary engineering and environmental clearance for the project have been completed. Final design will be completed in December 2015, and construction can begin as soon as early 2016.

Letters of support for the project were sent by: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the city of Reno, the city of Sparks, Washoe County, Washoe County Health District, Nevada Department of Transportation, The Chamber, Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living, Northern Nevada Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, University of Nevada, Reno, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency, Washoe County School District Police Department, Truckee Meadows Tomorrow.

In addition to the funding for the 4th Street/Prater Way RAPID Transit Project, $13.3 million dollars in TIGER funds will go toward upgrades to the Flamingo corridor in southern Nevada.