Mayor to offer realistic view of city in annual State of City address

Mayor Roger Tobler said he will paint a “realistic picture” of Boulder City during his State of the City address tonight at Boulder Creek Golf Club.

For his sixth address, Tobler will highlight some important issues facing Boulder City, such as the future construction of the Interstate 11 loop.

The loop was funded with a fuel tax increase approved by the Clark County Commission in September and is expected to be completed by 2017.

Tobler long has been a supporter of the I-11 loop construction, which will alleviate traffic congestion in Boulder City. However, the mayor said he will address concerns associated with the loop, which will reroute traffic around the city and has left many local businesses worried about its effect on their bottom line.

Tobler also plans to speak about a federal unmanned aircraft systems testing program announced in December and expected to begin early this year in Boulder City. He said the program could have an important financial role in the city’s future.

“I can’t quantify it at this point, but I couldn’t quantify the solar leases in 2003 either,” he said. The solar leases in Eldorado Valley provide the city with millions of dollars in lease revenue.

Unique to the address this year, Tobler said he will recognize community groups that help make Boulder City special.

“I want to give recognition to all the different aspects of the city, not just the city government,” he said.

And as expected, Tobler said he will talk about the city’s finances, but he will be brief and try not to bore people.

“I talk about it every time, but it’s important,” he said.

The event is free and open to the public. A social hour begins at 5 p.m. and the address begins at 6 p.m.