Reid announces Boulder City Bypass funding

Nevada Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced Wednesday that $2 million of a larger federal grant will be filtered to the state and spent on the proposed Boulder City Bypass.

The funding is part of a $11.5 million grant for nine Nevada projects touted last week by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

"I'm pleased that this funding will support making the much-needed Boulder City Bypass a reality," Reid said. "I will continue to ensure that this bypass remains a priority on the federal level as we work to alleviate congestion and remove truck traffic that's been a nuisance to residents of Boulder City."

The bypass, a 17-mile highway that would link U.S. Highway 95 and the new Hoover Dam bypass bridge, is expected to cost upwards of $400 million. Over the past decade that the project has been discussed, the federal government has contributed about $40 million.

The Legislature passed a bill last session that lifted the prohibition on toll roads, clearing the way for private developers to build the new highway.

Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2904..