CAMPO wants public input on long-range transportation plan – Nevada Appeal

Report on the Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 2050 Regional Transportation Plan

Overview and Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) has released its draft 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for public review. This long-range planning document outlines the allocation of significant transportation funding over a 25-year period for Carson City, Lyon County, and Douglas County. The plan’s framework is fundamentally aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning infrastructure, sustainable communities, and public health.

The plan addresses projected regional growth, with the population expected to reach approximately 97,000 residents. It acknowledges the need for strategic infrastructure development to manage increased traffic and support community well-being, directly contributing to the aims of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Project Prioritization and SDG Integration

The RTP utilizes a data-driven, performance-based framework to prioritize projects. This methodology is guided by six core goal areas that directly support key SDG targets:

• Safety: Directly supports SDG 3.6, which aims to halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
• Preservation and Adaptability: Aligns with SDG 9.1 by focusing on developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
• Mobility and Prosperity: Contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11.2 by ensuring access to goods, services, and economic opportunities through efficient transportation systems.
• Quality of Life: Underpins the broader objective of SDG 11 to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Financial Framework

The plan categorizes projects as either fiscally constrained (funded) or unfunded. The financial outlook for funded projects is stable, ensuring the implementation of high-priority initiatives that advance sustainability goals.

• Total anticipated revenue (2026-2050): $878,758,608
• Total estimated cost of funded projects: Approximately $800 million
• Total estimated cost of unfunded projects: Approximately $436 million

Key Funded Initiatives Supporting Sustainability Goals

Projects are divided into short-term and long-term phases, each containing initiatives critical to achieving regional sustainability and safety objectives.

1. Short-Term Projects (2026-2035)

   • North Carson Street Complete Street Project ($24.4 million): A key initiative for SDG 11.2, promoting safe and accessible transport for all, including pedestrians and cyclists.
   • Intersection and Safety Improvements at Highway 50 and Highlands Drive ($1.4 million): Directly targets SDG 3.6 by implementing proven safety measures to reduce traffic incidents.
   • Topsy Lane Intersection Improvements ($17.6 million): Enhances road safety in a high-traffic area, contributing to SDG 3.6.

2. Long-Term Projects (2036-2050)

   • South Carson Freeway Interchange ($98.7 million): A major infrastructure project supporting SDG 9 by improving the resilience and capacity of the regional transportation network.
   • East Dayton Bridge Project ($53.8 million): Enhances regional connectivity and provides resilient infrastructure in line with SDG 9.1 by adding a crucial river crossing.

Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement

In alignment with SDG 11.3, which calls for inclusive and participatory planning, CAMPO has established a public comment period through December 5. Citizens are invited to provide input through multiple channels.

Public Outreach Meetings:

• November 17, 6 p.m.: Bonanza Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
• November 18, 6 p.m.: Dayton Valley Library Meeting Room, 321 Old Dayton Valley Road.
• November 20, 6 p.m.: Jacks Valley Elementary School Library, 701 Jacks Valley Road.

Contact for Public Comment:

• Mail: Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, 3505 Butti Way, Carson City, NV 89701
• Phone: 775-887-2355
• Email: [email protected]

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the Carson Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CAMPO) 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its focus on long-term infrastructure planning, safety, economic growth, and public participation.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The plan’s explicit goal of “safety” directly connects to SDG 3. By prioritizing and funding projects aimed at improving road safety, such as intersection improvements, the plan seeks to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities, contributing to the well-being of the community.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The RTP’s goal of “prosperity” and its focus on improving “mobility (access to goods and services)” are linked to SDG 8. Efficient transportation infrastructure is crucial for economic activity, connecting people to employment and facilitating the movement of goods. The article notes that population and employment growth are increasing traffic, and the plan’s investments are designed to support this economic expansion.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  This is the most central SDG to the article. The entire 2050 Regional Transportation Plan is an exercise in developing quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure. The article details the planning and funding for numerous transportation projects, including roads, bridges, and interchanges, which are fundamental to the infrastructure targeted by SDG 9.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article touches on multiple aspects of SDG 11. The plan aims to create a safe and accessible transportation system for the CAMPO region. Furthermore, the extensive public outreach process, including a public comment period and multiple public meetings, directly reflects the goal of fostering inclusive and participatory urban planning.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the goals and projects described in the article, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.6: Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.

   The plan’s stated goal of “safety” and the funding of specific projects like “intersection and safety improvements at Highway 50 and Highlands Drive” and “Topsy Lane intersection improvements” are direct actions aimed at reducing road traffic accidents and their resulting injuries and deaths.

2. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.

   The plan’s goal of “prosperity” and its investments in key transportation corridors like U.S. 50 are intended to support economic growth. By improving “mobility (access to goods and services),” the infrastructure projects facilitate commerce and support the region’s growing employment base, contributing to economic productivity.

3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…to support economic development and human well-being.

   The article is entirely focused on this target. The 2050 RTP is a long-range plan to develop and maintain transportation infrastructure. The article mentions specific large-scale projects like a “freeway interchange in south Carson” and the “East Dayton Bridge Project,” which are clear examples of developing resilient and reliable infrastructure to serve the region for decades.

4. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

   The plan’s framework, which includes goals of safety, mobility, and quality of life, aligns with this target. The mention of “multimodal” projects within the plan indicates an effort to provide diverse transportation options. The focus on safety improvements and planning for an increasing senior population also addresses the need for accessible transport systems.

5. Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

   The article heavily emphasizes the public’s role in the planning process. The announcement of a public comment period lasting until Dec. 5 and the scheduling of three separate public outreach meetings are direct evidence of a participatory planning process, which is the core of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Financial Investment in Infrastructure (Indicator for Target 9.1):

  The article provides specific financial figures that serve as a direct indicator of investment. It states the “total revenue for funded projects over the next 25 years is estimated to be $878,758,608,” with estimated costs totaling “about $800 million.”

• Number and Type of Infrastructure Projects (Indicator for Targets 3.6, 9.1, 11.2):

  The article lists specific projects that are funded, such as the “North Carson Steet Complete Street Project,” “intersection and safety improvements at Highway 50,” a “freeway interchange,” and the “East Dayton Bridge Project.” The number and successful completion of these projects serve as a clear indicator of progress.

• Public Participation in Planning (Indicator for Target 11.3):

  The article provides concrete indicators of public engagement. These include the existence of a formal “open public comment period” and the scheduling of three distinct “public outreach meetings” on Nov. 17, 18, and 20. The number of comments received or attendees at these meetings could be used as further metrics.

• Traffic Volume and Population Growth (Implied Indicator for Targets 8.2, 9.1):

  The article mentions that the population is “expected to grow modestly to approximately 97,000 residents” and that this growth results in “increased traffic along U.S. 50.” These statistics are used to justify the need for infrastructure investment and can be used as indicators to monitor the pressures on the transportation system and the effectiveness of the implemented projects in managing this growth.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Summary

Source: nevadaappeal.com