May 7, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement in celebration of National Train Day Saturday, May 8, 2010.

“During the 19th century, trains became the major mode of transportation that made America's development possible. The use of trains played an integral role in the boom of Nevada’s mining and tourism industries. Today, railways remain an important part of our economy and will contribute to our future success. Evidence of that impact will be seen later this year, when the DesertXpress high-speed rail project will break ground and connect Las Vegas with California's high-speed rail system. The construction and maintenance of this project will help put more Nevadans back to work, strengthen our economy and speed our economy into the future.”

The 2nd annual National Train Day marks the 140th anniversary of the completion of America’s first transcontinental railroad and celebrates the importance of trains as an efficient, affordable, environmentally friendly means of transportation. The events are held nationwide in some of America’s major cities and feature model train displays, museum exhibits and educational programs for visitors.

National Train Day 2010 will be celebrated with events in Reno. Please visit http://www.nationaltrainday.com/events/other/ for details.

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