Las Vegas Neighborhoods Left Covered in Spray Paint Markings for Google Fiber Expansion

Google Fiber's expansion into Las Vegas has left many neighborhoods looking like a crime scene. The company, along with other utility companies, used spray paint to mark underground lines for the project. Residents are complaining about the unsightly markings, which they say are hurting property values.

The 'Call Before You Dig' program requires utilities to mark their lines before construction begins. Each color represents a different type of line: electric, gas, water, cable, and sewer. The white paint indicates where Google Fiber plans to dig as part of its five-year project to bring fiber optic internet service to Las Vegas.

Will Novak, GFiber's government and community affairs manager, said the project is a 'once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.' He acknowledged the issue with the markings but pointed out that utility companies are responsible for cleaning up after their work. Novak suggested that the utilities should police themselves to ensure their markings are removed.

Tom McCormick, a resident of the Heritage Estates neighborhood in Peccole Ranch, is one of many who are pushing for a solution. He contacted GFiber and the city's Ward 2 office but received no response until he reached out to 13 Investigates. The current official strategy is to wait for the markings to fade over time.