Douglas County Transportation System

Countywide Connectivity creating safer, environmentally responsible, economically vital communities

267 89 50

NEVADA

CALIFORNIA

28 28

Spooner

Carson City

50

Glenbrook

Indian Hills

395

Johnson Lane

206 Zephyr Cove

89

Genoa

MIIN M ND DEN N TAHO TA AHO HOE E AIRP AI RPOR ORT

Kingsbury

207

Emera ald Bay

Minden

Stateline

50

Gardn ner erville Gardnerville Ranchos

Heavenly

88 395

Legend 50

Trail Creation and Connection Opportunities

89

Valley-Lake Gondola South Shore to North Shore Ferry

88

Multi-modal Trails and Connectivity V & T Railroad Returns

89

Topaz Lake

Truck Alternate Route for Main Street Revitalization Minden-Tahoe Airport Opportunity Regional Transit Convenience Connectivity by Canary Car

395

Connecting a broader community Better quality of life for residents. Distinctive destinations that draw more visitors. Vibrant business districts to catalyze investment. These are key elements of Douglas County’s vision. Vital to all of them are transportation improvements creating an integrated system of good roads, trails and transit, which connect to the core facilities and amenities of Valley and Lake communities. Funding is critical to progress and implementation. In today’s economic climate, competition for limited state and federal funds is fierce. The projects and programs on the following pages are at various stages, from concept, to demand/feasibility studies, to planning, to environmental review. To underwrite the connectivity they promise, Douglas County must first help itself by:

• matching the community’s commitment, like the over $400M currently being invested by the private sector in anticipation of the South Shore and Valley visions 208

• creating a funding stream for implementation and maintenance that allows the County to apply for state and federal funds and grants

• developing transportation solutions to connect the existing scenic and historic experiences Integrated Transportation System

Road and Highway Improvements Minden

Carson Valley US 395 Main Streets Revitalization

Gardnerville

Response to Current traffic volume on US 395 – 30,000 vehicles and 800 semitrucks per day – which is projected to nearly double by 2030; resulting pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety concerns, plus congestion and emissions issues; studies/plans recommending redeveloping historic downtown areas; current conditions that discourage investment in redevelopment and attractive streetscapes

Proposed improvements Alternate truck route to redirect highway through-traffic, especially truck overload; s-curve radius adjustment to comply with NDOT guidelines and keep trucks off sidewalk (K-rail removal); pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly downtown districts

Estimated costs $40 million-$268 million for alternate truck route with s-curve adjustment and drainage improvements; $35 million-$45 million for main streets revitalization

Goals/benefits Redirecting highway through-traffic and adjusting the s-curve will improve safety, reduce vehicle emissions and prevent flooding with new storm drainage. Calmer downtown traffic, bike paths and wider sidewalks will promote community events and attract cyclists and pedestrians, catalyzing economic development and redevelopment.

Public and private partners Local, state and federal agencies, business owners, property owners, and residents

Next steps Secure funding commitments for design, environmental analysis and construction. Include recommendation for alternate truck route in “2015 Transportation Master Plan.” (demand/feasibility studies with significant public input completed)

Targeted completion Phased alternate truck route and main street revitalization 2020-2030

Next step: secure funding

Location US 395, including S-curve at Gardnerville Station; historic Minden and Gardnerville downtown areas

US 50 / South Shore Community Revitalization

Kingsbury

Lake Tahoe

Stateline N

CA

Response to

LI

Need to re-establish Tahoe tourism as support for Douglas County; community plans that address insufficient, outdated infrastructure for ongoing improvements; need for provisions for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers

Proposed improvements Realign US 50 and convert the existing route for reclassification as a local street with local area control and development

Estimated cost $25 million Nevada portion of approximately $70 million, including right of way and construction

Goals/benefits Create a local main street; improve safety, connectivity, reliability, travel times and air and water quality; enhance economic development opportunity; update adjacent properties and improve affordable housing units; catalyze private investment in environmental improvements

Public & private partners Local, state and federal agencies, business owners, property owners and residents

Next steps Five route alternatives undergoing environmental analysis, draft environmental document (EIS) in progress; decision after EIS is completed and circulated for public and agency review

Targeted construction starts June 2017

Next step: select alignment

EV AD

FO

A

RN

IA

Location US 50 between Lake Parkway in Stateline, NV and Pioneer Trail in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Valley Multi-modal for Fun and Function Minden-Tahoe Airport Opportunity

Genoa

Minden tahoe airport

Lake Tahoe

Concept Create a hub for transportation choices that connect other activity centers with a sport aviation destination/Soaring Center

Response to

Heavenly

LI

Multi-modal center to connect with Valley network; transit center as part of the new Sports Aviation Center

Goals/benefits Promote transportation choices that reduce private vehicle use; provide convenient connections between activities that support and catalyze economic development; add to County credentials as a multi-faceted tourism destination

EV AD

FO

A

RN

IA

Need for fast, frequent, and sometimes free connections to encourage participation and enjoyment of the area’s activities and experiences

Proposed improvements

N

CA

Location Minden-Tahoe Airport, known worldwide for outstanding soaring conditions, central to Valley communities, and easily accessible from Lake Tahoe and Carson City

Next steps Demand/feasibility study; detailed project definition

Valley-Lake Gondola Must-ride Concept Create a spectacular connection between the history and beauty of Carson Valley and the majesty of Heavenly, voted one of the top 10 most scenic ski resorts in the United States; provide a unique “commute” for residents and a “must-do” experience for 3 million annual visitors

Response to Need for transportation connections between the Valley and Lake Tahoe that intrigue riders and motivate less private car use; desire for transportation investments that can also increase visitation

Proposed improvements Right-of-way preparation, terminals, stations, cars, towers and cables with sensitivity and respect for existing neighbors

Goals/benefits Enhance the transportation system between Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe; provide an fun, entertaining choice for visitors exploring the region and a unique commute opportunity for residents; promote countywide tourism

Next steps Demand/feasibility study; detailed project definition

Location Proposed routes connecting Valley to Lake

Carson City

Canary Car Connector

Genoa Lake Tahoe

Concept Re-create a unique railroad car as a trolley-style transport to tie in with historic attractions and double as a destination experience

Response to Survey results indicate the perception that regional attractions are “too spread out” and that there is a need for an easy, entertaining way to travel between them; desire to connect the over 3 million annual visitors to Tahoe’s south shore with those attractions, from Lake to Valley to Capital

Proposed improvements One custom, trolley-style vehicle for initial testing

Minden

South Lake Tahoe

Gardnerville CA

N LI

EV AD

FO

A

RN

IA

Location Proposed routes connecting historic districts and frontier experiences of Gardnerville, Minden, and Genoa with Carson City and South Lake Tahoe

Goals/benefits Provide convenient, entertaining mobility for visitors and residents; reduce private car use and traffic congestion, and improve regional air quality (less emissions); economic opportunity along the routes that will drive community revitalization

Next steps Demand/feasibility study; detailed project definition

V & T Railroad Return Concept Revive the original V & T Railroad right-of-way to continue the Virginia City-Carson City line; create other tourist excursion lines in the Valley, short loop between Minden and Genoa as a first phase

Response to Availability of right-of-way; survey results indicating interest in an “authentic Nevada adventure”

Proposed improvements Tracks to Carson City, historic Minden Depot, Gardnerville, and Genoa

Goals/benefits Entertaining transportation for visitors exploring the region; increase in tourism with resulting economic development along the route; new and improved culverts to better disperse flow across channels and floodplains crossing the right-of-way

Next steps Demand/feasibility study; detailed project definition

Location Downtown Minden with excursion line to Genoa and longer line through Carson City to Eastgate Depot and Virginia City, plus other excursion lines and stops

Regional Multi-modal Mobility North Tahoe

Cross-lake Passenger Ferry Connection

Lake Tahoe

Response to Anticipated growth will overburden infrastructure in the Tahoe Basin; need for time-efficient, year-round environmentally positive transit between north and south shores that also links adjacent communities and destinations

Proposed improvements

South Tahoe

Location North to south shores of Lake Tahoe

Ski Run Marina, south shore, Tahoe City, north shore terminals; two vessels to accommodate projected ridership of 1,500 per day and 500,000 annually

Estimated costs $34 million capital investments; $6 million annual maintenance and operations; costs pro-rated between Nevada and California

Goals/benefits A hub for an integrated regional transit system; tourist excursion and/ or transit; expanded visitor horizons; reduced private-car congestion, emissions and impact on erosion; area development; more employment and housing options

Community support 62% of residents and visitors surveyed favor passenger ferry service

Next steps Explore funding possibilities; research vessel options

Targeted start of service Summer 2017

Next step: explore funding

Regional Transit Coverage

Lake Tahoe

Carson Valley

Stateline

Response to Impacts on infrastructure and environment from private-car use; need for safe, reliable, convenient choices for residents, commuters, and visitors

Proposed improvements

Location

New passenger facilities integrated with shared-use paths, wired for future real-time information technology; potential DART local service expansion

Estimated costs $6 million annual maintenance and operations; $1 million from Douglas County

Goals/benefits Provide economical access to jobs and community services; reduce private-car congestion, emissions, and impact on erosion; achieve greenhouse gas targets and TRPA environmental thresholds; community appeal

Community support Resorts, businesses, residents, commuters, local governments and agencies

Next steps Continue seven-day-a-week, year-round service with ongoing improvements

Next step: ongoing improvements

Fixed routes Stateline/South Lake Tahoe; regular schedule to Carson Valley

Shared-use Path Recreation Minden

Martin Slough Trail Between Downtowns

Gardnerville

martin slough pond

Response to Need for a safe alternative to Hwy. 395 for walking and bicycling between downtowns and from homes to schools in Minden and Gardnerville

Gardnerville Ranchos

Proposed improvements Scenic trail, parking, wildlife viewpoints, and interpretive signage

Estimated cost $350,000 per mile

Goals/benefits

Location Jakes Wetland, Minden to Lampe Park, Gardnerville

Offer residents and visitors recreation that connects the historic downtowns; showcase wildlife viewing in natural habitats; leverage private foundation investments in area parks; improve flood control and water quality

Community support Nearby lodging properties and other businesses, residents, local agencies

Next steps Continue project development for first section with grant funding

Ranchos Connectivity Path Response to Need for safe, convenient path for youth and seniors (residents’ most-requested)

Proposed improvements Scenic trail with directional signage

Estimated cost $4 million including widening Carson River Bridge

Goals/benefits Offer residents and visitors recreation leading to popular destinations; create a healthy alternative to private-car use, reduce congestion and emissions; improve flood control and water quality

Community support Residents, youth and seniors groups, Alta Alpina cycling club

Next steps Continue project development; secure funding

Location Gardnerville Ranchos to Lampe Park and Community & Senior Center

Response to

NEVADA

CALIFORNIA

Pony Express Trail Rides Again

Lake Tahoe

Genoa

International recognition of the Pony Express and its historical significance; potential $200 million asset; over 40,000 current annual uses of unimproved trail

Proposed improvements

Stateline

Defined, paved pathway, featuring viewpoints and directional and interpretive signage; with sensitivity and respect for existing neighbors

Estimated cost $34 million, including underpass

Location Genoa to Tahoe Rim Trail

Goals/benefits Protect the eco-system; promote tandem use with other transit; attract events to enhance the economy; develop the destination amenity potential

Community support Resident outdoor enthusiasts, Carson Valley Trails Association, local agencies

Next steps Continue planning and outreach

Nevada Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway Beginnings Response to Unsafe conditions for a large number of cyclists and pedestrians (over 950 per day during July); environmental harm; growing popularity of cycling tourism

Proposed improvements Separated bicycle/pedestrian paths, off-street right of way, striped on-road lanes

Estimated cost $40 million Douglas County portion

Goals/benefits Provide an eco-friendly transportation choice to meet environmental thresholds; attract visitors to enhance the economy; community revitalization

Community support During the first month after opening, 10,000 used the initial 2.1-mile segment of the South Demonstration project

Next steps Continue development and outreach; secure funding

Location Douglas County: Stateline, NV to county line/SR 28 and US 50 junction

Douglas County Transportation System

Countywide Commitment

An integrated system of good roads, trails and transit will require much more than combining priorities in a document like this one. Forming public-private partnerships to pool expertise is the first step. Viable funding is essential to perform preliminary studies, analyze approaches, prepare reports, develop and engineer designs, and implement improvements. Where will the money come from? Douglas County must compete aggressively for the limited funds available in tight-budget federal and state programs. Private donations/sponsorships must be pursued. Gas and sales tax increases, similar to those proposed for underfunded infrastructure maintenance, are necessary resources. Gaining support for these actions, and the projects themselves, demands effective outreach to influential community residents, business owners, and state and federal legislators.