|
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Investing in Our Common Future
As we move forward into 2009, our leaders are looking to implement measures that will lay the foundation for a strong and growing economy. Investment in our nation’s infrastructure offers a path toward economic stimulus making public works a vital part of the solution. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), funding of “shovel-ready” projects will jumpstart job creation and put people to work rebuilding America’s deteriorating roads and bridges. At the same time, long-term investments in a sustainable future will be achieved by efforts such as the modernization of public infrastructure to more efficient and renewable sources of energy.
As Director, I can assure you that our team is pleased with this increased focus on public works projects. Since the inception of the Clark County Department of Public Works in 1969, we have consistently advocated for a responsible budget and efficient programs that demonstrate our commitment to the essential role of infrastructure. Coming out of two decades of national, record-breaking growth in this county, our department has had to work smarter to provide more services for years. In the face of an aggressive timeline for the use of economic recovery funds, we are prepared with a list of ready-to-go projects that will greatly benefit the local economy by creating a demand for new jobs and resources.
This year, we have added a section to the Road and Infrastructure Guide to provide information on the projects we plan to undertake with anticipated funding from ARRA. The “stimulus list” is comprised of projects that will rehabilitate and rebuild over 100 miles of roadway, bus stops, and ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps throughout our neighborhoods. You will find another addition to our annual report in the Items of Interest section where we feature our sustainable practices such as the Streetlight Modernization Program which continues to offer substantial cost-savings to Clark County.
To complement these innovative endeavors, we have several achievements to share as measures of our ongoing progress. Last year, I reported on the battle of an epidemic in streetlight vandalism. In just over 20 months, copper wire thieves cost taxpayers nearly $1 million dollars, having vandalized more than 400 locations within the unincorporated county. Our streetlight crews repaired and replaced copper wire at an unprecedented rate to keep up. Ultimately, Public Works had to take a proactive response to mitigate damages and through joint efforts with our legislation and law enforcement, copper wire theft has been reduced by 95%!
Safety is an integral part of what we do everyday, whether it is enhancing streetlights in our neighborhoods or improving access for the millions of visitors to Clark County. In December, we had the unique opportunity to refine a historic landmark – the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign located at the south end of the Strip. While untold thousands have had their photos taken in front of the iconic sign in its 50-year history, access has been limited, forcing visitors to cross traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard without the benefit of a crosswalk. Our project constructed a new parking lot providing 10 standard parking spaces, two large spaces for buses or limousines, and two handicapped spaces offering access for the first time to our disabled guests. This was not the only historic event in that year, however. On December 17, 2008, a rare snowstorm blanketed the Las Vegas Valley bringing as much as 8 inches of snowfall not seen since 1979. The record snowfall brought challenges with the closure of roads and schools and the cancellation of flights, but it also created extraordinary winter scenery. As novel as the snow was to the valley, it was “business as usual” for our snow plow team on Mount Charleston. You might be surprised to know that snow and ice removal is a routine function of our department’s activities, even in this arid desert climate.
Clark County boasts one of the most dynamic and diverse communities in the nation. We are the 15th largest county, covering an area the size of New Jersey, and serving almost 900,000 residents. Unincorporated Clark County stretches from Mount Charleston to Red Rock Canyon to Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and the Colorado River with both rural towns and urban areas in between. Our department continues to pioneer forward-looking approaches to the design, construction and maintenance of public infrastructure. Public Works is everywhere you look, offering tangible benefits to our citizens and visitors by reducing traffic congestion with ongoing projects like the Bruce Woodbury Beltway, increasing commuter safety by installing warranted traffic control devices, and growing the number of recreational opportunities by developing parks and trails within multi-use, flood control detention basins and channels. Public Works is a proud part of Clark County, now in our 40th year of service. As we look toward the progressive investment in our common future, we thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Denis Cederburg, P.E.
View/Download the 2009 Road & Infrastructure Guide |