January 28, 2010

Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid said the Silver State will benefit greatly from the $2.25 billion in high-speed rail funding that was announced for California earlier today by the Department of Transportation (DOT).  California’s north-south line will provide an important connecting point in Palmdale for Nevada’s Desert Xpress project.

Desert Xpress, which is privately funded, is expected to break ground this year. The Nevada Department of Transportation did not apply for funding.  And the proposed Mag-lev project was found ineligible by the DOT.
 
“Development of rail travel between Nevada and our neighbor to the west will create a high-speed transportation option that will boost tourism and create good-paying jobs for Nevadans in construction, maintenance, and service,” said Reid.
 
“This Recovery Act funding is boon for Nevada’s high-speed rail, which will connect to the north-south line giving Nevadans fast access to places like San Diego and San Francisco, while giving Californians access to Nevada’s top tourist destinations.”