Stewart St. extension focus of workshop

A public workshop next week will highlight plans for the North Stewart Street extension project.

The workshop is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday in the lobby of the Community Center, 851 E. William St. It was postponed last month because residents in the area hadn't been notified, said Larry Werner, city engineer, during the Regional Transportation Commission meeting on Wednesday.

"We're ready to go," he said.

Cost for the project - excluding the amount needed for obtaining rights-of-way - will be an estimated $5.6 million. The city should begin seeking bids for the project during late fall.

There are nearly 20 sites the city needs to obtain for the project, only a few of which are substantial.

The city seeks to swap some land on the Pioneer High School on East Park Street property, and provide the school with the city-owned site occupied and leased by the First Christian Church on East John Street.

Lengthening North Stewart Street from its current end near William Street several more blocks north to Roop Street would ease traffic along Carson Street through the center of the city, Werner said.

The 1,950 linear feet to be added would direct the road to Dan Street and tie it in to Roop, he said.

The project is 30 percent designed, and information obtained during the workshop is expected to help the city complete the design.

JAC, PRIDE bus lines highlighted

The RTC also received reports about the Jump Around Carson (JAC) and PRIDE bus lines.

The commission approved continued participation in PRIDE, which runs between Reno and the Carson Valley Plaza in Douglas County. Carson City's share for the commuter service is $108,075.

Commissioner Shelly Aldean wanted to see Douglas County pay its share for the bus line, about $12,000. If it doesn't, she would like to see the route stop north of the Carson City-Douglas County border.

Chairman Richard Staub, however, said the needs of passengers who seek to travel to Douglas must be carefully considered.

"Like it or not, people want to shop at Carson Valley Plaza," he said.

The route could be modified later, if necessary, according to Werner.

JAC completed six months of operation last month. In March, it saw its first month of ridership growth since October, when it provided free rides as a promotional device. Its fixed route received 4,131 riders in October and 4,305 in March.

The commissioners asked the city to more aggressively promote the line, and look at ways to add amenities, such as rain shelters.

Werner said the city plans to re-launch the service in May or early June, once route signs, for example, are completed.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

Who: Regional Transportation

Commission

What: Discussion of the North Stewart Street extension project

When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Lobby of the Community

Center, 851 E. William St.