New terminal will put Nevadans back to work and improve security for travelers

January 12, 2010

Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today toured Terminal 3 at McCarran International Airport with Rosemary Vassiliadis, the Deputy Director of Aviation for Clark County.  In addition to helping accommodate the millions of people who travel to and from Las Vegas each year, Terminal 3 is being constructed with the most modern, built-in security features to help ensure the safety of all who pass through the airport.

Reid included an exception for refinancing bonds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that allowed McCarran to take advantage of a tax exemption, allowing work at the airport to continue and saving as many as 2,000 jobs.  Reid’s prepared remarks are included below.

“As the home of the entertainment capital of the world and one of the greatest tourist destinations on Earth, travel is the fuel that makes Nevada’s economic engine run.

“The state-of-the-art terminal going up right behind us will make it run even better. 

“T3 will welcome millions to Las Vegas from all over the state, all across country and all around the world.  It will be their gateway to our city’s hotels, restaurants and businesses.  It will bring families together, push companies and industries forward, and show visitors the best of what Nevada and the West have to offer.

“It will also do much more than that: It will do as much for those of us in Nevada as it will for those who will come to visit us here.

“That’s because one of the best things this new terminal represents is new jobs.  A project of this scale is already putting Nevadans back to work – it employs nearly 2,000 workers right now – and it will continue to do so well into the future.

“Today those jobs are going to Nevada’s construction workers, contractors and engineers.  Tomorrow they will go to Nevada’s businesses and travel professionals.

“All of their hard work will ease congestion in this busy airport and will increase McCarran’s capacity to 53 million passengers a year.  But we’re not just helping millions of passengers get from one place to another – we’re helping them get there more safely.

“Passengers will be screened through two separate security checkpoints on two floors.  Their bags will be screened with 16 explosive-detection systems. 

“Especially in light of recent threats, we know we need smarter security measures that protect travelers but don’t delay them from getting to their flight.  This first-class facility does both: it will keep travelers safe without slowing them down.

“With 1,000 flights coming into and going out of Las Vegas each day, this airport connects Nevadans with more than 100 cities in America and abroad.  When I see the progress being made on this beautiful new terminal, we can also envision how it will connect Nevadans with good-paying jobs to go to every morning. 

“T3 is one of the many ways we are working to help our economy recover.  It will mean a lot to the frequent flyer and the casual traveler alike.  It will mean a lot to the families and businesses who depend on Nevada being open for business.  And for that worthy goal, this terminal is just the beginning.”