Reid uses clout to procure pork

Wednesday, April 10, 2002 | 11:08 a.m.

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., makes no apologies for using his clout as the No. 2-ranked senator to grab Nevada's share from the so-called pork barrel.

A spokeswoman for majority whip Reid said today much of the money allocated for projects termed pork by Citizens Against Government Waste was used to address job training, education, health care, military bases and other major issues.

The watchdog group on Tuesday ranked Nevada 12th for receiving per capita the most federal dollars for projects not authorized by Congress.

The report said Reid used his position as Senate Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee chairman to steer $32 million for Southern Nevada flood control and water recycling projects, among other spending it called pork.

"It is a matter of perspective," Reid spokeswoman Tessa Hafen said. "Sure Sen. Reid used his position. But that means he was an effective leader, bringing money to Nevada to fund meaningful projects. We don't look at that as pork spending."

The report found that Nevada, with a population of 2.1 million, received $152.4 million or $72.37 per capita, moving up from 17th in the group's 2001 survey. Hafen noted that Nevada overall ranked 26th in federal dollars received, using the watchdog group's statistics.

Alaska, No. 1 last year, again topped the list at $710.88 per capita.