For Immediate Release:

September 21, 2016

Contact:
Mari St. Martin

Sandoval Statement on SNTIC Recommendations and Special Session Timing

CARSON CITY, NV Governor Brian Sandoval released the following statement today regarding the
recommendations made by the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee.
In July 2015, I convened the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee in order to address the
challenges unique to Clark Countys tourism industry and provide recommendations on maintaining our
rightful position as the top entertainment, convention, and tourism destination in the world. For more than a
year, the committee has conducted 16 public meetings to examine ideas and proposals. Last week, I received
the Committees recommendations, all related to the infrastructure and related public safety needs of Las
Vegas.
After receiving the recommendations on Friday, I have thoroughly reviewed the committees documents and I
am comfortable with the recommendations related to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
expansion, additional support for law enforcement, and the development of a county-owned stadium that
could host a National Football League franchise and be the home of University of Nevada, Las Vegas football.
I am convinced that, given the circumstances and timing with regard to public safety, the Convention Center,
and the NFL, there is an opportunity to significantly improve the tourism infrastructure of Southern Nevada
already the best the in the world.
Based on the current environment, I believe a special session of the Legislature is warranted and should be
called as soon as can be practicably accomplished. The appointments to fill legislative vacancies by the
Washoe and Clark County Commissions will not occur until the last week of September and first week of
October, respectively. I feel strongly that any newly appointed or current legislators should be given enough
time to review the recommendations and conduct their own due diligence and to allow for ample time to
prepare for a special session of the Nevada Legislature. That is why it is my intention to begin a special
session no earlier than Friday, October 7 and no later than Thursday, October 13, pending conversations with
legislative leadership. The formal proclamation detailing the agenda will not be made until a later date.
I have twice called special sessions to diversify Nevadas economy and create new jobs in emerging
industries. Just as I have met with the top leaders prior to those announcements, this week I met with the
owner of the Raiders, Mark Davis. He was committed and resolute in the teams interest in relocating to our
state. I have also spoken with Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak, Las Vegas Metropolitan
Police Department Sheriff Joe Lombardo, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO
Rossi Ralenkotter, and gaming and labor leaders.
We have before us the opportunity to invest in Nevadas most foundational industry, tourism, by providing
for the infrastructure and public safety needs of the 21st century. We can and must usher in a new era for
tourism in the Las Vegas market, while keeping our citizens and visitors safe, and ensuring our position as
the global leader in entertainment and hospitality.
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Mari St. Martin, Communications Director - (775) 684-5670 Email: mstmartin@gov.nv.gov
Office of the Governor - 101 North Carson Street - Carson City, NV 89701 Fax (775) 684-5683
Grant Sawyer State Office Building . 555 East Washington, Suite 5100 . Las Vegas, NV 89101 . Fax (702) 486-2505