State, county examine future transportation issues

It's no secret that population and employment growth is snarling traffic and taking its toll on Douglas County's roads.

Both the state and county will be looking at the future of the county's roads this week.

Future growth will more than use up any remaining capacity and current revenue streams will not be able to accommodate the need for these capital improvements, according to the 2007 Douglas County Transportation Plan, which will be forwarded to planning commissioners for approval Tuesday.

Developed by Parsons, a consulting group, the study indicates Douglas County officials have limited options when it comes to funding.

With a prevailing attitude toward limiting growth, Douglas County residents are not likely to approve across-the-board increases that will leave them footing the bill for new development, according to the report.

The study recommends the use of impact fees, which are charged to new development and used to pay for capital improvements.

"Many developers are supportive of these programs because they see adequate infrastructure development as a method of ensuring the area remains a desirable place to live," the report said.

The study lists other alternatives, including an increase in local sales or fuel taxes, but options are limited. No significant revenues exist for street and highway improvements in Douglas County's general fund. Sales and fuel tax options have been rejected by voters in the past, but they could be revisited, the report said.

On Thursday, the Nevada Department of Transportation will present the U.S. 395 Corridor Study final report at a public meeting in Gardnerville.

State officials have been working on the report for several years in search of alternatives to help improve traffic flow along the highway.

The following is a list of other proposed master plan amendments to be reviewed by the planning commission after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

-- Existing water and wastewater service area maps could be expanded to include new service area boundaries in Clear Creek, Ruhenstroth and Fish Springs planning areas.

-- Commissioners could approve a master plan text amendment to allow clustering of residential properties, a method of preserving open space. If approved, this provision would give landowners more flexibility by allowing clustering on non-contiguous properties.

-- A master plan text amendment updating the open space and agricultural lands preservation plan could be approved, but staff is recommending a continuance on this proposal.

In other business:

-- Commissioners could approve a tentative commercial subdivision map for Max Baer Productions, Carson Auto Mall and Riverwood Partners on 95.4 acres, just east of Highway 395 in north Douglas County. Many requirements, including a final drainage report, soils report and improvement plans for streets must be submitted before final approval of the project.

-- Julian Larrouy is asking for a variance to reduce the number of parking spaces from 23 to 10 as he makes plans to rebuild the Valley Bar. Located at Centerville Lane and Highway 88, the historic bar burned in a fire in March of 2006.

The bar was in the family since 1945 and Larrouy owns the property with his sister, Sybil Dunagan.

-- Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Douglas County Planning Commission meeting

When: 10 a.m. Tuesday

Where: Courtroom of the Douglas County Administration Building, 1616 Eighth St. in Minden

What: Nevada Department of Transportation public information meeting

When 4-7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Douglas County parks and Recreation Cooperative Extension Conference Room,1329 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville

Information: cpeacock@dot.state.nv.us or (775) 888-7124