Carson City trans unit spends, saves money

Extensions of sidewalk improvements along Long Street and a multi-use path along the freeway were approved Wednesday by Carson City’s Regional Transportation Commission.

The commission also extended the number of hours in a contract for extra JAC bus service, adding a cost of nearly $40,000 for the hours previously approved but without firm knowledge of how many extra hours would be needed.

On the Long Street project, the commission determined Justin Wilson Construction, LLC, was the low bidder and awarded the contract for $147,924, plus a contingency amount of $14,776, for pedestrian improvements that extend the upgrades from Stewart to Carson streets. Federal block grant and administration transit funds are involved in the project not to exceed $162,700.

A multi-use path extension from near the Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Nevada on Russell Way along the Interstate 580 freeway to near the city’s wastewater treatment plant would cost up to $650,000, also from federal coffers, and the commission gave its blessing to Transportation Manager Patrick Pittenger executing an interlocal agreement with the Nevada Department of Transportation to proceed with it.

Built, as a result, will be 7,860 lineal feet of pathway, drainage systems, fencing, erosion control and related improvements.

Commission members approved 1,500 additional hours, previously authorized but without a precise number, for evening Jump Around Carson (JAC) bus service when necessary. Such extra service began in September, 2014. The additional cost for the extra hours of service is $39,472, taking the contract with MV Transportation to $682,098 and upping the hours of service from 23,700 to 25,200. The commission action was a contract amendment.

In other action, the commission voted to save some money. Members adopted a resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors issue highway revenue refunding bonds amounting to $6.3 million to secure lowered interest charges. Finance Director Nick Providenti estimated the savings would amount to $60,000 annually, but told commissioners the precise amount won’t be known until the refunding bonds reach the market and a rate is secured.