State lags in tracking stimulus spending

RENO -- With federal stimulus reporting deadlines looming, some say information about Nevada's spending reports are difficult if not impossible to find.

Earlier this year, a state-run Web site designed to let the public track stimulus spending was tied with 12 other states for a near-bottom ranking for its quality and quantity of available information.

"We need to get the people in charge of this thing to let us know what we need to do to access these funds," Fernley Mayor Leroy Goodman said. "It's very difficult to find out what's available and what you can use it for."

The lack of information leaves some wondering whether Nevada can meet the Oct. 1 reporting deadline.

Missing it could jeopardize future funding, and missing the deadline is not an option, Nevada Controller Kim Wallin said.

Federal law requires state agencies, local governments, nonprofit agencies and contractors to file quarterly spending reports. States must show who is getting grants and how jobs are created.

That information is missing from Nevada's site.

Nevada is slated to receive $2.2 billion of stimulus money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.