Budget has millions for state

Mark D. Preston

Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1999 | 11:58 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Tucked away within President Clinton's voluminous budget are millions of federal dollars earmarked for Nevada projects and programs, a preliminary review of the document shows.

Clinton's proposed $1.77 trillion budget delivered to Congress Monday includes funding for Nevada programs ranging from bulletproof vests for local law enforcement agencies to transportation projects throughout the state.

The president's budget will now be scrutinized by congressional lawmakers, who will break it down into 13 spending bills that will fund the federal government for the 2000 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Senate Minority Whip Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he is encouraged by the transportation and land-conservation projects that will help make Nevada a pleasant place to live.

"I think the budget contains good news for Nevada in terms of highway spending and in terms of better transportation facilities," Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., said.

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., said he is pleased Clinton wants to protect Social Security, improve schools and protect the environment but questioned how Clinton might achieve success when his budget is top-heavy with "Washington-based" programs.