1. In any county in which a tax for a public transit system, for the construction, maintenance and repair of public roads, for the improvement of air quality or for any combination of those purposes has been imposed, the board shall by ordinance create a regional transportation commission pursuant to chapter 277A of NRS if one has not already been created under that chapter. If a regional transportation commission has already been created under that chapter, that commission may also exercise the powers conferred by this section.

2. The regional transportation commission may:

(a) Appropriate money in the public transit fund accumulated by a county to provide a public transit system for that county if the system is included in a regional transportation plan adopted by the regional transportation commission;

(b) Appropriate money to provide transportation or to support agencies which are providing transportation for the elderly and persons with disabilities, if the services are consistent with the regional transportation plan;

(c) Provide for or perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of the public transit system, including the establishment of fares for the system; and

(d) Adopt regulations for the operation of systems or services provided by the commission and for systems or services financed by the commission and provided by an agency or a private contractor.

3. The commission may draw money out of the public transit fund only for:

(a) The establishment and maintenance of a public transit system for the county and for the support of other activities, services and programs related to transportation which are included in a regional transportation plan adopted by the commission;

(b) The construction, maintenance and repair of public roads;

(c) The distribution of money to the local air pollution control agency which administers the program established in the county pursuant to NRS 445B.500, to support activities, services and programs related to the improvement of air quality;

(d) The payment of principal and interest on notes, bonds or other securities issued to provide money for the cost of projects described in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c); or

(e) Any combination of those purposes.

(Added to NRS by 1981, 1650; A 1985, 735; 1987, 1394; 1991, 40; 1993, 1237; 1997, 2973; 2003, 954)