VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/190809
In business transportation Reid wants to get xpresswest high-speed rail project on track By Richard N. Velotta senior staff writer Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hasn't given up on the proposed XpressWest high-speed rail project between Las Vegas and Southern California. In a recent interview on "Nevada Newsmakers," a political television program produced in Reno, Reid said he has spoken recently with White House officials about getting the project back on track. "I've had conversations within the last week with the White House and with (XpressWest Chairman) Tony Marnell, who is the person who is putting up all the money on that," Reid said. "(California Gov.) Jerry Brown loves it. I like it. It's a pretty good start." XpressWest, a $7 billion proposal to build a high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Victorville, Calif., with plans to extend the route to downtown Los Angeles, hit a road block in July when a review for a $5.5 billion federal loan disclosed that the project did not conform to Buy America standards of acquiring equipment from U.S. suppliers. Most of XpressWest's suppliers and consultants are with Montreal-based Bombardier, a multinational aerospace and transportation company. Reid did not elaborate on how or when XpressWest could address the Buy America provision. Republican budget leaders also have attempted to block XpressWest's loan request, questioning whether the company would be able to repay the loan. city government North Las Vegas taps Switch exec to be finance director By Brian Nordli staff writer North Las Vegas has found its new finance director, announcing late last month the selection of Las Vegas-based data center Switch CFO Darren Adair. The move was approved the next week by the City Council. Adair, a North Las Vegas resident and member of the citizens' Utility Advisory Board, was selected for his experience at successful private-sector startups such as Switch, said Ryann Juden, city director of intergovernmental affairs. The move comes about one week after former financial director Al Zochowski ended his tenure at the city after less than two years on the job. As acting financial director, Adair will oversee a budget of about $434 million and earn an annual salary of $125,000, city officials said. Adair brings more than 20 years of accounting experience in a variety of areas including institutional and private financing, contract review and cash management analysis, among others. He holds a master's degree in accountancy and dual bachelor of science degrees in accounting and business information management and education from Southern Utah University. Assistant City Manager Tim Colbert had filled in as acting financial director. Zochowski was the third top administrator to leave the city in the weeks since new Mayor John Lee took office. City Manager Tim Hacker and City Attorney Jeff Barr also resigned. Hacker, Barr and Zochowski were holdovers from former North Las Vegas Mayor Shari Buck's administration. | 14 October 2013 20131014_VI08_F.indd 9 | 85 Cox Business Internet and Phone $ 99 ______ MO* • FREE Voice Mail and unlimited nationwide long distance calling • Internet Professional speeds up to 15/3 Mbps • Price guaranteed for 2 years Free professional installation with a 2-year agreement Call today! 702.939.1146 "Highest In Customer Satisfaction with Small/Midsize Business Wireline Service" coxbusiness.com *Offer ends 12/31/13. Available to new subscribers of Cox Business VoiceManagerSM Anywhere and Cox Business InternetSM Professional (max. 15/3 Mbps). Prices based on 2-year service term. 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