Nevada’s highway rest areas to be cleaned up, made more friendly

CARSON CITY — The 37 rest areas along major highways in Nevada might soon become cleaner and more friendly for visitors under a new state law.

In exchange for cleaning and maintaining the restroom facilities, private companies will be allowed to put up advertising signs.

The law goes into effect July 1, but regulations must be prepared before the Department of Transportation can approves applicants.

The idea is similar to the agency’s adopt-a-highway program where civic clubs and business clean up litter along stretches of roads.

The hope is that the facilities will be cleaned more often and present a better image of Nevada to travelers.

Initially the Transportation Department wanted to allow approved businesses to sell products at rest areas, but legislators balked at that step before approving Assembly Bill 447.

The state Tourism Commission discussed the new law during its Wednesday meeting. Commissioners hope that more tourism events will be advertised at the rest areas.

Already visitors can pick up maps and state brochures about tourism events at rest areas.

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