Nevada Construction Jobs Could Increase with Stimulus

Joel — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:41:59 +0000

A slew of new projects and a prospective economic stimulus plan could help create more Nevada construction jobs.

It is expected the newly-elected administration will create a new economic stimulus plan, which would include federal money for public works projects. According to an article by the Las Vegas Sun, there are currently more than $1 billion in unfunded infrastructure projects throughout Nevada, and if those projects began to take shape, Nevada’s construction industry wounds could begin to heal.

The American Public Works Association recently completed a survey of 470 public officials, which found that 3,600 projects worth $15 billion nationwide are ready to start within 90 days. The association surveyed five city and county public works officials in Nevada and found that $297.5 million in unfunded projects are ready to begin, including a wastewater treatment upgrade, sewage lines and highway work. These projects could create 10,337 Nevada jobs.

The American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials estimates that public works agencies could start work within 90 days on 3,000 highway jobs worth $18 billion nationwide, which would create 500,000 jobs. Those projects in Nevada could include highway road maintenance throughout the state.

Some of the projects that could be completed include:

The Las Vegas Wash environmental restoration project. The Southern Nevada Water Authority plans to spend $100 million during the next 10 years on the body of water that runs through the eastern part of the Las Vegas Valley to Lake Mead. This project could be accelerated if the agency receives more federal funding, which would go for erosion control systems, habitat restoration and other improvements.

The Nevada Department of Transportation has about $250 million in repaving projects and other work that could start soon if more money becomes available.

The Clark County Regional Transportation Commission has $700 million in projects that could benefit from additional federal money, including the Boulder Highway rapid transit line, which otherwise won’t start for two years.

In addition to the $80 million phase of the commission’s ACE rapid transit system that would connect Boulder Highway to downtown, projects include the expansion of Interstate 215 at the airport for $200 million, improvements at Esther Pearson Park in Las Vegas for $800,000, and a storm drain project in Las Vegas for $45 million, as well as a long list of road improvements.

Another project involves widening northbound lanes of US 395 in Reno and widening Interstate 15 South between Tropicana and Sloan in Las Vegas. This would require $6 billion in funding during the next five years.

Job Search News » Nevada construction jobs

Nevada Construction Jobs Could Increase with Stimulus