Tuesday, June 9, 2020 | 4:46 p.m.
CARSON CITY — The Nevada Department of Transportation expects $143 million in budget cuts over the next two years because of declining highway fund revenues caused by the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Deputy Director Cole Mortensen informed the department's board of directors Monday that staff identified $28.5 million in administrative cuts so far this fiscal year, The Nevada Appeal reported.
Some projects will be postponed because they are not ready to be sent out to bid this fiscal year ending June 30, Mortensen said.
Mortensen says department staff recommended another $44.3 million in cuts by putting off work on I-80 in Elko and a downtown Ely reconstruction project worth $29.8 million in federal, state and local funds.
The cuts would bring the amount of reductions for the remainder of this fiscal year to $72.8 million.
A majority of the board of directors went against the recommendation and voted to save the Ely project.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The vast majority of people recover.
