LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Virgin Trains USA’s plans for rail service between Los Angeles and Las Vegas have been delayed, likely for at least two years, after the company failed to secure tax abatements from the Nevada legislature.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal quotes Bob O’Malley, Virgin Trains’ vice president of governmental affairs, as saying the company would “reevaluate the timeline” after failing to receive the abatements. “Abatements are a crucial component of the financing package,” he said, “so without it I don’t think [construction will start].”
O’Malley said the company was not seeking tax credits or state grants, but partial abatements of sales and property taxes similar to those it received in Florida. He said the company would try again to secure the abatements during the next legislative session in 2021.
