Roads

44% of Nevada's major urban roads are congested. Vehicle travel on Nevada's highways increased 89% from 1990 to 2003. Nevada's population grew 86% between 1990 and 2003. The Nevada Department of Transportion has a $387 million maintenance backlog. Nevada faces a $2.8 billion shortfall in transportation funding over the next 10 years. Driving on roads in need of repair costs Nevada motorists $120 million a year in extra vehicle repairs and operating costs --- $81 per motorist. Congestion in the Las Vegas area costs commuters $494 per person in excess fuel and lost time.

Dams

There are about 58 state-determined deficient dams in Nevada. Nevada has 134 high hazard dams. A high hazard dam is defined as a dam whose failure would cause a loss of life and significant property damage. The rehabilitation cost for Nevada's most critical dams is estimated at $30.2 million.

Drinking Water

Nevada's drinking water infrastructure needs $602 million over the next 20 years.

Wastewater

Nevada faces a $2.8 billion shortfall in transportation funding over the next 10 years.

Solid Waste

Nevada generates 1.55 tons of solid waste per capita. Nevada recycles 15.8% of the state's solid waste.

Schools

42% of Nevada's schools have at least one inadequate building feature. 57% of Nevada's schools have at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition

Engineer Anecdotes

"In the late 80's, the Mayor of Reno eliminated all road maintenance for a period of about three years as a means to balance the city's budget. The primary consequence is that the city will not catch up on maintenance until 2010." - a civil engineer from Reno, NV

"New development is not paying for its share of infrastructure, including schools." - a civil engineer from Las Vegas, NV


From the Headlines

The century-old Virginia Street bridge that spans the Truckee River is in sorry shape and could be closed if it continues to deteriorate, Reno's public works director said. "It's imminent," Steve Varela told downtown business leaders, "We may have to close the bridge down because it is unsafe." But a state highway engineer, while agreeing the bridge should be replaced, said it is inspected every six months and records show it is safe. Hossein Hatefi said inspectors are keeping a close eye on any settling problems that would indicate the structure is falling apart. Hatefi said the arched concrete bridge is very heavy and strong. But the superstructure has exposed, rusted iron rods and deep concrete cracks, rating near-failing scores. A major rehabilitation of the bridge built in 1905 was planned in 1997. But that was put on hold after a New Year's Day flood that caused nearly $700 million in damage. Associated Press 2/4/05



Sources

Survey of the state's civil engineers conducted in December 2004

TRIP Fact Sheets, February 2005

Texas Transportation Institute, 2004 Urban Mobility Report

Government Performance Project, Grading the States 2004

The State of Garbage in America, Biocycle Magazine 2004

Condition of America's Public Schools, 1999

EPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey, 2001

EPA Clean Water Needs Survey, 2000

Association of State Dam Safety Officials