Construction leaders target DMV fees for works projects

CARSON CITY -- Construction industry leaders asked legislators Thursday to tack another $150 annual fee on the costs of driver's licenses for teenagers to help create a fund to put laid-off people back to work on state building projects.

John Madole, leader of Associated General Contractors in Reno, said if $50 million could be generated by additional fees on car registrations and licenses, then the state could create a $500 million bond program and put 14,000 people to work on state projects.

Madole said he has four sons, and teens place so much importance on driving that a $150 fee per year was "a modest price."

Surprisingly no legislators questioned his view on teen driver's license costs, although Senate Majority Leader Bill Raggio, R-Reno, said he never received more "hate mail" in a 38-year legislative career than last year after car registration fees were increased.

"We have to do something to jump-start this part of the economy," said Assemblywoman Debbie Smith, D-Sparks. "I am pleased to hear your suggestions."

The suggestions by Madole, carpenters union leaders and others to create a state plan to employ construction workers came on a day when legislators mainly asked business for their help in reducing an $887 million state revenue shortfall. Legislators are set to go into a special session Tuesday to work on the shortfall.

"At this time the construction industry more and more needs to rely on government to fill jobs," said Jacob Snow, general manager of the Regional Transportation Commission in Clark County.

Snow said he does not have a source yet for the $10 million he needs in matching funds before he can qualify for a $35 million federal grant for rapid transit projects. With the grant, he could put 500 people to work.

Madole said now is the time for the state to build since costs of roads and buildings are 60 percent to 65 percent of what they were a couple of years ago.

"We need the work," said Steve Holloway, executive vice president of the Associated General Contractors in Southern Nevada. "We need Nevadans to step to the plate to make it happen."

But Daniel Burns, Gov. Jim Gibbons' communications director, said the governor would not support any plans to increase driver's license costs.

"Unless you take a poll of all teenagers and they say they want it, he is not going to support it," Burns said. "This would kill one of the joys of youth."

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.