Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid met today with members of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce to discuss increasing economic development and creating jobs in Southern Nevada.  Among the issues discussed is the recent negotiated lands package, contained in the National Defense Authorization Act, which was introduced Tuesday evening. Many important pieces of legislation for Nevada, such as the Tule Springs designation, were included. These have been priorities for the Metro Chamber and Senator Reid.  The Chamber and Senator Reid also spoke about Interstate-11, to link Las Vegas and Phoenix. In 2012, Reid designated I-11 in the transportation bill and he committed to doing everything he can to make it happen. Finally, they discussed Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), which is important for construction of many Southern Nevada properties.

“It is always a pleasure to meet with the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce as we discuss working together to improve Nevada’s economy,” said Reid. “Our meeting was accompanied by the good news of Tule Springs, and other important lands bills for Nevada, receiving a vote in both chambers by the end of next week. I will do everything I can to make sure that these bills get across the finish line. We also discussed how we can improve and maintain Nevada’s tourism economy by completing Interstate 11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix. As we complete this Congress and move into the next, I look forward to working with the Chamber so that Nevada’s business community can thrive. ”

“The Metro Chamber appreciates Senator Reid’s leadership on issues important to creating jobs and growing the economy. We are hopeful that Congress will pass these important pieces of legislation for which the Metro Chamber has been a strong, continuous advocate over the past several years,” says Kristin McMillan, Chamber president and CEO.

BACKGROUND ON TULE SPRINGS:

• Creation of a 22,650 national monument.
• Sets aside 1,886 acres for use by the UNLV, 40 acres for the College of Southern Nevada and 285 acres for Great Basin College for use as new campuses.
• Expands the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Clark County by 1,530 acres.
• Convey 660 acres of federal land to the city of Las Vegas and 645 acres to North Las Vegas to establish “job creation zones.”
• Expands the SNPLMA boundary.
• Expands Nellis Air Force Base.
• Creates an off-road vehicle park at Nellis Dunes.

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