Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters to discuss the unprecedented growth of Nevada and the need for consistency in federal support.

The vitality of Nevada’s tourism-based economy relies upon the state’s transportation infrastructure and its ability to accommodate the millions of tourists and residents who frequent the highways and roads each day. 

“If we fail to explore innovative and proven transportation funding alternatives, then we will have failed the people of Nevada. We can continue existing with congested highways and streets, or we can explore different ways to alleviate much of the overcrowding,” said Governor Gibbons.  “I discussed some of the innovative funding options with Secretary Peters and I look forward to bringing those ideas home to Nevada.  We must take action, and that includes a partnership with the U.S Department of Transportation and the policy makers on Capitol Hill.”

In an effort to address the need for expansion and improvements, Governor Gibbons met with Secretary Peters to discuss viable funding options, such as public/private partnerships.  Many other states experiencing overwhelming growth are also looking into the opportunities and flexibility provided through public/private partnerships.  This innovative approach to addressing funding shortfalls could relieve much of the congestion that Nevada sees today.

“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Governor Gibbons to talk about the significant transportation needs in Nevada.  I look forward to working with him to find innovative solutions to address those needs,” said Mary Peters, U.S. Secretary of Transportation.