Congresswoman Lee Secured $1 Million to Help Complete Red Rock Legacy Trail
Boost Pedestrian and Biker Safety
LAS VEGAS – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) held a press conference to announce a $1 million federal investment she secured for the Nevada Department of Transportation to help construct the Red Rock Legacy Trail, which includes a brand new, shared use pathway from Summerlin to Red Rock Canyon. The funding will also help lengthen and widen lanes to prevent accidents on the busy State Route 159 near the Canyon.
In 2005, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Don Albietz was struck and killed by a hit and run driver while riding his bike in Red Rock Canyon. His tragic passing spurred southern Nevada to action, and to fight for safer conditions at Red Rock Canyon as well as establish the Red Rock Legacy Trail.
“More than 3 million people visit Red Rock Canyon each year to take advantage of the scenery, biking, hiking, and climbing,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “Along with increased tourism, we have work to do to ensure visitor safety, especially as many bikers and pedestrians share Route 159. With this new $1 million investment, we’re one step closer to completing the Red Rock Legacy Trail which will take bikers and pedestrians off the roadway and give them a safe place to enjoy our world class public lands.”
“I’m very thankful for our partners in the federal government, the BLM, Clark County, and Representative Lee for being here today and facilitating the $1 million dollars that is really going to help jumpstart the Red Rock Legacy Trail,” said Nevada Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Justin Hopkins. “It’s a paved asphalt trail that is going to accommodate cyclists, joggers, walkers, and strollers. It can accommodate anybody, and we think that’s great because you're not going to be on the road with traffic and you’re not going to be on the side of the road where you might run into some mobility issues. Currently, cyclists and joggers have to contend with the traffic and that can be particularly dangerous.”
“It’s vital that we’re out here today to talk about this incredible piece of infrastructure that will make all of our road users safer,” said Director of the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety Andrew Bennett. “Clark County wants to take this opportunity to thank Congresswoman Lee for securing this additional funding. This was a vision that is now turning into a reality. The Red Rock Legacy Trail is not just a path, it truly is a gateway to our landscape.”
Congresswoman Lee was joined by Director of the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety Andrew Bennett and Nevada Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Justin Hopkins.
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