Reno officials mull monorail system to boost tourism

Sunday, March 21, 1999 | 5:06 a.m.

Under one proposal, the system would link Reno-Tahoe International Airport, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Meadowood Mall and the casino cores of both Reno and Sparks.

"I think it's not only feasible, it's very exciting to contemplate," said Phil Keene, president and chief executive officer of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority.

Reno's gambling industry has struggled with the closure of six casinos over the last four years because of increased competition from Las Vegas and Indian casinos.

The monorail system could help solve the Reno area's transportation problems and provide a tourist attraction, too, Keene said.

"Long-term, I think it's a very important agenda item for all of us," he told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Celia Kupersmith, executive director of the Regional Transportation Commission, questioned the availability of funding for the $400 million-plus project.

"It's going to be extremely difficult if not impossible to get federal money to assist the project," she said. "Rail money is very tight."

But others pointed out that the city of Reno last year was able to come up with $200 million to lower the railroad tracks through the downtown.

"I think it's possible when the casino executives and the cities and governmental entities can get together," said Robert Barone, Comstock Bank's chief executive officer.

In 1996, his bank issued a report hailing a "skyrail" as a way to boost Reno's tourism.

The casino owners' Nevada Resort Association has considered a rail system in the past but won't take a position until firm plans surface, said Harvey Whittemore, an association lobbyist.

"Anything that will improve transportation and make the tourists' lives a little easier ... is something that the industry will support," he said.

Las Vegas, which draws six times as many tourists as Reno, has several private monorail systems linking casinos.

Clark County officials also are studying a $380 million monorail-like system that would shuttle riders about five miles from Cashman Field to the Stardust hotel-casino on the Strip.

"If we are to rescue Reno, it's time to get outside the box," said Tim Elam, a Reno businessman who supports a light rail system.