RTC announces projects that will create 2,000 jobs

The Regional Transportation Commission announced Thursday a variety of new road projects throughout the Las Vegas Valley that will create 2,000 jobs, thanks to the Legislature's decision to "un-sunset" a one-eighth-cent sales tax that was approved in 2003.

The action allows the transportation agency to sell $169 million in bonds on Aug. 10 to help fund "shovel-ready" projects.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of creating local jobs.

The state has a preference law that allows government agencies to approve local bids if they're up to 5 percent higher than the overall lowest bid, but commissioners were not completely satisfied.

Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross called the preference law "worthless," indicating the percentage figure should be higher.

Mayor Oscar Goodman urged the RTC to make sure general contractors also hire local subcontractors.

"Two thousand jobs are great, but we have to do anything we can to make sure the jobs go to locals," Goodman said.

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