Editorial: Projects do create headaches

Friday, Jan. 19, 2001 | 9:31 a.m.

Not too long ago Gov. Kenny Guinn glanced at a letter that he first thought might be an invitation to attend a dedication of two new public schools in White Pine County. After all, the 1999 Legislature had set aside $16 million to help build schools in White Pine and Lincoln counties. But upon closer inspection, Guinn was shocked to find out that the letter wasn't announcing the finishing of the schools, but mentioning the fact that the groundbreaking for the two schools in White Pine County hadn't even begun.

Guinn talked about his frustration this week regarding the lack of progress in the school construction projects, noting that it has been 22 months since the money was allocated by the Legislature. These aren't the only state public works projects bedeviling Guinn, though. There have been a number of big-ticket items that have been delayed or have come in over budget. For instance, UNLV's Lied Library opened a year behind schedule. In addition, there were $5.6 million in claims filed against the contractor and the state regarding the library, which cost $53 million, but there was no money to pay them. The $21 million Veterans Home in Boulder City, meanwhile, isn't likely to open until the end of March, about one year behind schedule. The new High Desert State Prison experienced cost overruns, which upset state legislators.

While there is no way to foresee every gremlin or glitch at the outset of a construction job, the series of public-works misfortunes in Nevada is more than just a string of bad luck. Currently Guinn has an indirect say in what happens since he appoints members to the Public Works Board. But it is the board, not the governor, who has the power to appoint and remove the manager who supervises the day-to-day workings of these projects. Guinn says he wants to assume more control over the Public Works Board, an idea that seems acceptable given the circumstances. As the state's top elected official, Guinn should have more power in this area.

In the meantime, Guinn said the Public Works Board should show a "sense of urgency" in starting and completing these projects. "Usually it takes you longer to get the money. Now we got the money and look how long it takes to get action," Guinn said. "That's no way to run a business." Indeed.