Nevada lawmakers are telling state officials it’s time to get moving.
Nearly $789 million in federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is still sitting unspent, and some are worried that if the clock runs out, the money could disappear.
Nevada received about $2.7 billion in ARPA funds to help recover from the pandemic, with much of it meant for things like housing, broadband, and infrastructure.
According to the Nevada Current, a big chunk of that cash hasn’t left the state’s account.
For those who believe in smaller, more responsible government, that’s a garish red flag.
It’s not about spending for spending’s sake; it’s about accountability.
If taxpayer money is already out the door from Washington, then Nevada leaders have a duty to put it to work wisely – before it’s lost or reallocated.
The Clock Is Ticking
It’s a use it or lose it situation.
ARPA funds come with strict deadlines, and if Nevada doesn’t move fast enough, the feds could claw some of it back – or even send it to other states.
State lawmakers (from both parties) are urging officials to pick up the pace.
The goal is to fund shovel-ready projects that benefit Nevadans directly – instead of letting the money gather dust while needs pile up.
For example, some of these funds are supposed to help build affordable housing, expand broadband in rural areas, and improve public infrastructure.
In a state where internet service still cuts out in parts of Ely or Pahrump, and where housing costs keep climbing in Las Vegas and Reno, that money could make a real difference – if it’s used in time.
What This Says About Government Waste
It isn’t just about speed. It’s about stewardship.
Every dollar that sits unused is a reminder of how bloated and inefficient government spending can become.
Federal programs like ARPA were sold as “emergency” relief – yet here we are, years later, still trying to figure out what to do with the leftovers.
There’s also a question of local control.
Conservatives have long argued that decisions about spending should be made as close to the people as possible – not buried in federal red tape or delayed by state bureaucracy.
Nevada lawmakers are trying to walk that line: making sure the money gets used without waste, and making sure locals – not Washington bureaucrats – decide where it goes.
Why It’s Taking So Long
Officials say “it’s complicated”.
There are rules, matching requirements, and layers of approvals to go through.
Some projects are still waiting on bids or environmental reviews. Others are waiting for local governments to finalize plans.
But critics say that’s no excuse.
If Nevada doesn’t get moving soon, it risks missing the window to actually deliver results.
In Clark County alone, ARPA money has gone toward things like small business recovery grants and public health improvements, but even there, some projects remain in the planning stages.
In the north, several housing and broadband projects haven’t even broken ground.
What Happens Next
Nevada lawmakers shouldn’t be saying “spend it all now.” They’re should be saying “spend it wisely, and before it’s too late.”
This is the kind of issue that drives fiscal conservatives nuts.
Washington throws around massive sums of money, states take years to figure out how to use it, and taxpayers are left wondering if any of it made a difference.
So while the political left often measures success by how much government spends, the real test is how well the money’s managed.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
