Make a deal for Yucca Mountain

By Nicholas Gartner, Henderson

Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014 | 2:01 a.m.

I believe we have a great opportunity if our state politicians have the will to pursue it.

Alaska brokered a deal back when the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was being debated: Every resident gets a check every year for allowing the pipeline to be built. I propose we attempt to do something similar with Yucca Mountain. Let’s make a deal.

First, have the Army Corps of Engineers divert some of the Columbia River into the Colorado River. This is a permanent solution for all users of the Colorado River.

Second, get a high-speed train from downtown Los Angeles to Salt Lake City with at least three stops in Nevada.

Third, extend the Las Vegas monorail to the airport, Henderson and the northwest part of town.

These projects paid for by the nuclear industry would allow our residents to move around the valley easier and expand our tourist industry.

Fourth, let’s test the progressives’ assertion that if you dump enough money into education you will have better results. I think reform and spending money more wisely would work better, but if you are going for the moon, go all the way.

When the government was spending billions on Yucca Mountain back in the 80s, nobody complained. Then when the site went through the process of accreditation, everybody went crazy, and since then the state has wasted millions fighting the project instead of getting the best deal.

I certainly hope we do so before the thing gets crammed down our throats.