Nevada Lives One Minute in Fast Lane

State officials raised the speed limit to 70 m.p.h. on a 33-mile stretch of Interstate 80 today in a bureaucratic game of “chicken” with Washington, but the duel lasted less than a minute before Nevada returned to the federally mandated 55 m.p.h.

The fast lane got faster at 7:30 a.m., when the state raised the speed limit, but the real showdown came in an office--not on the highway. The Transportation Department won by serving notice that it would withhold an estimated $66 million in annual federal highway construction funds if Nevada continued to ignore the national 55-m.p.h. limit.

The face-off is expected to set up a suit by Nevada challenging the federal government.

Nevadans have been among the most vocal in complaining about the 55-m.p.h. limit, particularly on the wide-open spaces between cities. A 1985 law ordered the speed limit raised to 70 m.p.h. in certain areas, with the provision that it would be repealed if the government withheld any of the construction money.

“(The) law self-destructed,” said acting state Transportation Director Garth Dull. “We’re back to 55.”

Dull said the 70-m.p.h. limit lasted less than one minute.

‘Almost Too Eager’

The drama was played out in Dull’s office before most state agencies opened. Tony Horner, regional administrator for the Federal Highway Adminstration in Nevada, sat in the reception room for several minutes, waiting for the 70-m.p.h. speed limit to take effect at 7:30 a.m. He then handed Dull the letter notifying him of the penalty to be imposed by the government.

“He was almost too eager,” Dull said.

Dull immediately rescinded his order establishing a 70-m.p.h. zone on a 33-mile stretch on Interstate 80 near Fernley.

Two “Speed Limit 70 m.p.h.” road signs had been readied for the 33-mile stretch of highway, but they did not go up.

“We had them ready to go,” Dull said. “Maybe I’ll put one in my office now.”

Horner had warned the state last week of the proposed penalty.

Atty. Gen. Brian McKay has served notice that the state will sue the government over the speed limit issue.

Congressional Proposal

Congress is considering legislation, whose main sponsors are Sens. Chic Hecht (R-Nev.) and Paul Laxalt (R-Nev.), allowing the states to raise the speed limit in rural areas.

Nevada already has softened the blow for those who violate the 55-m.p.h. speed limit. Motorists caught going up to 70 m.p.h. in a 55-m.p.h. zone are fined only $5 for a “waste of energy” violation.

Nevada’s highway construction budget is composed of 60% federal funds. Any loss of the money would cripple the state’s building program.