Funding for the long-awaited Boulder City bypass and for a new interchange at Cactus Avenue on Interstate 15 came today from the federal government.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced nearly $11.5 million in grants to fund an array of highway-related efforts in Nevada.

"Transportation investments like these will create jobs and improve the quality of life for Nevada residents as well as strengthen the state’s economy," said Secretary LaHood. "The demand from the states for these funds shows just how critical the need is for infrastructure investment."

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invited states to apply in June for federal funding from 14 grant programs. Requests poured in from every state, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. – more than 1,800 applications, totaling nearly $13 billion, which is more than 30 times the funds available.

A bill that would create a bypass road in Boulder City moved ahead in the State Senate.

SB214 would create a toll road between Railroad Pass to the Hacienda Casino. Supporters say it would raise money and ease traffic along U.S. 93. The project would be a partnership among a private investor, Boulder City and the National Park Service. Traffic in the area has been even more congested since the bridge over the dam was finished. Now it is easier to travel U.S. 93 which means more people are using the road and tourists are taking it to see the new bridge.

Opponents say the toll road would unfairly hurt the poor.

The bill sponsor State Sen. Joe Hardy, R-Boulder City, says the area is a bottleneck with more than 2,000 trucks using it every day. 

The National Park Service is waiving lake use fees Saturday, May 28 through Monday, May 30 on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave – a savings of $16 per vessel – for boaters who show proof of completing an approved boating course.

"Statistics show that the majority of boaters who are involved in accidents report that they haven't completed a formal boating education course," Superintendent Bill Dickinson said.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics showed that in 2009, 78 percent of boating accidents and 86 percent of boat fatalities involved operators with no formal boating education.

"We're announcing this early so boaters who haven't taken a course will have a chance to do so before the holiday weekend," Dickinson said.