Infrastructure funding lacking

By Rep. Dina Titus, Las Vegas

Sunday, March 9, 2014 | 3:01 a.m.

On Wednesday, the Sun article “Group warns of funding threat to 25 transportation projects essential to Nevada” featured a report recently released by a Washington-based research group. The report listed a number of crucial transportation projects in Nevada that would face delays and inaction in the face of federal budget shortfalls for transportation funding.

These are not new concerns. In fact, they are the very reason I sought a position on the House of Representatives Transportation & Infrastructure Committee when I returned to Congress last year. Efficient transportation systems are essential to Nevada’s economy, and as the only member of our state’s congressional delegation serving on a transportation committee, I will continue to advocate for robust federal funding for our state and region.

At a time when some Republican leaders are abandoning responsibility for investing in the nation’s infrastructure, leaving states and municipalities to fend for themselves when it comes to preserving our roads and bridges, I am committed to federal investment in Southern Nevada’s transportation network.

Project Neon, the redevelopment of Maryland Parkway and the Interstate 215 interchange are all major projects that will improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of Southern Nevada’s roads.

The Interstate 11 corridor project to connect Las Vegas to Phoenix holds great promise for our fast-growing region, connecting millions of area residents, creating thousands of construction jobs and increasing our region’s ability to move freight across the country.

I have and will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to ensure that federal investment in Southern Nevada’s critical infrastructure continues; and welcome the advocacy of all interested parties.

The writer is a Democrat who represents Nevada’s 1st Congressional District.