Report says maglev train would bring in 2.3 million visitors

Tuesday, June 3, 2003 | 9:59 a.m.

A proposed magnetic levitation superspeed train that would link Las Vegas and Primm would generate $122 million in sales, gaming and property taxes and generate 13,000 jobs, backers of the system said Monday.

The estimate is outlined in a report by Mary Riddel and Keith Schwer, researchers with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Center for Business and Economic Research.

The researchers found that the maglev train, which would be one of the first in the United States, would draw 2.3 million new visitors to Southern Nevada just for the ride between Las Vegas and Primm. The Las Vegas-to-Primm route would be one of the first steps in a system that ultimately would connect Southern Nevada and Anaheim, Calif.

The visitors, although here to ride the train, would still require other services such as lodging -- and would also likely take in other tourism and entertainment activity.

The study is more than two years old, but the California-Nevada Superspeed Train Commission is releasing the information again with the hope that it will affect the debate over funding the project. Congress is considering a multiyear funding plan for federal transportation projects.

Tom Bradley, a spokesman for the commission, said it is important that the information be widely disseminated before Congress considers the funding.

Maglev trains can reach speeds of 300 mph.

The commission is seeking $1 billion in federal funding for construction of the 40-mile Las Vegas-to-Primm section. The entire 269-mile project from Las Vegas to Anaheim would cost $9 billion or more.