Reid re-directs $45 million from Maglev to NDOT with the intent that it be applied to the I-215 McCarran Airport Connector project

March 17, 2010

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement regarding final passage of the HIRE Act in the U.S. Senate.

“I applaud my colleagues for joining me in passing a bill that will help put Nevadans back to work.  In addition to enacting a payroll tax holiday and allowing small businesses to write off the cost of major purchases, this jobs bill expands the Build America Bonds program and extends the Highway Trust Fund, allowing for the investment of billions of dollars in transportation projects, which will save one million jobs.

“Following discussions with and the recommendations from the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, McCarran Airport, the City of Henderson and the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), we agreed that redirecting the funds from Maglev to NDOT, with the intent that the money be applied to widening the airport connector at McCarran and 215, will have the biggest immediate impact for job creation and relief from traffic congestion.  I urge the Governor to put these funds to work immediately to protect Nevadans’ jobs and ensure the completion of a project that will result in reduced congestion for a faster, safer commute.”

The jobs bill which will soon be signed into law by the President includes four key provisions to create jobs this year:

·         A tax credit for employers who hire employees this year;

·         An extension of the highway bill to fund job-creating transportation projects in Nevada;

·         A provision allowing small businesses to write off the cost of major purchases, and;

·         Build America Bonds, which provide a much-needed funding mechanism for projects such as work on courthouses, schools, roads and public safety buildings.