Rebuilding Nevada and the rest of America can’t wait

Having recently chaired the Nevada State Senate Transportation Committee, I know that cities and towns across Nevada are doing their best to repave roads, upgrade water treatment plants, expand broadband access and address the critical infrastructure needs of the future.

In Southern Nevada, we have invested substantial resources in projects like the Interstate 11 corridor and Project Neon, and are exploring new options for light rail and passenger rail transportation to Southern California.

But because state and local governments are often restricted in how we fund these projects, there are limits to what we can accomplish alone. We need a strong partner in the federal government.

Although Congress recently approved a down payment for infrastructure investment, the additional $10 billion allocated doesn’t come close to meeting the $2 trillion needed to restore our nation’s infrastructure to true working order. We need Congress to prioritize an infrastructure plan that will improve our nation’s water, broadband and transportation infrastructure, and invests in our nation’s workforce.

Now that the election is over, we can get to work on this. I trust that Sen.-elect Jacky Rosen and Rep. Dina Titus, D-nev., who sits on the U.S. House Transportation Committee, will go to work for Nevadans on this important investment in the future of our cities, counties and state.

I’m calling on Congress to partner with Nevada and our local governments to develop an infrastructure plan that invests in our vision to build intermodal, sustainable and interconnected infrastructure networks that support a modern economy. Our country is greatest when we invest in building great things and support working families.

America’s infrastructure problems cannot wait. It’s time for Congress to work with cities to rebuild and reimagine America’s infrastructure. I support our new members of Congress as well as our tried-and-true champions in these efforts, as should every Nevadan.