CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Nevada senators are green-lighting a bill that would provide the permission necessary to build high-capacity systems of transportation in Las Vegas.
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Senate Bill 149 would lay the groundwork to implement a multi-billion-dollar light rail plan being considered to link McCarran International Airport with the Las Vegas Strip.
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For two years, members of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada have been drawing blueprints for the light rail as well as makeovers for pedestrian walkways.
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They're also considering transit options to connect residential neighborhoods, college campuses, Sunrise Hospital and shopping hubs.
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The bill would give local officials new authority to seek tax hikes or federal grants to finance developments and explore the use of self-driving cars.
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State senators voted 20-1 on Monday to pass it to the Assembly.
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