LAS VEGAS, NV (KXNT) - Plans for a high-speed train linking Las Vegas and Southern California took another step forward on Tuesday when the County Commission unanimously approved state findings related to financing for the project.
The commission voted 7-0 today to approve the findings made by the Nevada Department of Business and Industry related to the financing of the project being proposed by DesertXpress Enterprises.
“We have been working to achieve high-speed rail between Clark County and Southern California for decades and today’s approval marks a significant milestone in that long process,” said Commissioner Michael Naft, whose district includes the land for the future rail line and the Las Vegas train station. “This project does not use one penny of taxpayer money, has a track record of success, and will put 30,000 men and women to work in a time when we need jobs and economic investment. When finished, we expect this new train will remove 3 million vehicles from our roads every year, which will lower our CO2 emissions by 100,000 tons annually. I am grateful to the team at Clark County who helped make this happen and appreciate Gov. Steve Sisolak, Treasurer Zach Conine, and the State of Nevada for their work to make today’s approval possible.”
Officials with the high-speed Virgin Trains USA rail have said the 170-mile long trip between the Victor Valley Region and Las Vegas will be built within the median of I-15, with the trip taking around 90 minutes. The commission says no taxpayer dollars will be used.
Its hoped that contruction of the project will begin later this year, with completion in late 2023. Plans for the station in Las Vegas call for it to go up on patch of vacant land on Las Vegas Boulevard and Warm Springs.