The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) would like to thank the US Access Board for the opportunity to comment on the draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way. We appreciate the work and effort that went into the development of these draft guidelines.

NDOT supports the comments and recommendations submitted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials as adopted on October 14, 2002.

NDOT supports the efforts to improve the accessibility for disabled persons throughout the county. However, we recommend that there should be flexibility in the requirements to avoid an all or nothing situation. With the demands that states are facing in meeting their transportation needs, particularly in states that are experiencing large percentages of growth, they are working to maximize every funding dollar available. If the requirements are too rigid, the decision may be made to not construct the entire project. If there is some flexibility, gaps can be filled or areas of improvements can be made to improve the existing access and the project can still move forward with benefits to all.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

Susan Martinovich, P.E.
Assistant Director/Chief Engineer
Nevada Department of Transportation