First installment of $22.5 million has been allocated to the State

July 2, 2010

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today made the following statement on the news that $22.5 million of the Maglev funds he reprogrammed for use on the McCarran Airport Connector project has been allocated to Nevada.  Reid reprogrammed the full $45 million that had been set aside for Maglev so the funds can be used by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada to create jobs for Nevadans now.  By transferring the funds to this project, Reid ensured that Nevada didn’t lose the money.

“I thank NDOT and the RTC of Southern Nevada for putting this money to work on a project that has a long-term benefit for our state’s economy and creates jobs,” Reid said.  “The Maglev project has been talked about for more than 30 years.  While the concept and technology is impressive, it’s not going to put Nevadans to work anytime soon.  Out of work Nevadans need help now and that’s what the funding is being used for.”

In addition to putting Nevadans back to work, the McCarran Airport Connector project will result in reduced congestion, easier access to the airport, improved access to areas north and south of the airport, and time saved on commutes.

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