1. The Commission may:

(a) Subject to the provisions of subsection 2, secure a right-of-way and award a franchise for the construction and operation of a Super Speed Ground Transportation System principally following the route of Interstate Highway No. 15 between Las Vegas, Nevada, and a point in southern California.

(b) Acquire or gain control or use of land for rights-of-way, stations and ancillary uses through purchase, gift, lease, use permit or easement.

(c) Conduct engineering and other studies related to the selection and acquisition of rights-of-way and the selection of a franchisee, including, but not limited to, environmental impact studies, socioeconomic impact studies and financial feasibility studies. All local, state and federal environmental requirements must be met by the Commission.

(d) Evaluate alternative technologies, systems and operators for a Super Speed Ground Transportation System, and select a franchisee to construct and operate the Super Speed Ground Transportation System between southern California and Las Vegas.

(e) Establish criteria for the award of the franchise.

(f) Accept grants, gifts, fees and allocations from Nevada or its political subdivisions, the Federal Government, foreign governments and any private source.

(g) Issue debt, but this debt does not constitute an obligation of the State of California or the State of Nevada, or any of their political subdivisions.

(h) Hire an Executive Officer, other staff and any consultants deemed appropriate.

(i) Select the exact route and terminal sites.

(j) Obtain, or assist the selected franchisee in obtaining, all necessary permits and certificates from governmental entities in California and Nevada.

2. Before the:

(a) Commission or a franchisee begins construction in Nevada; and

(b) Receipt of any final certificates and permits necessary for the construction or use of a public right-of-way,

the route and terminals selected by the Commission must be approved by the appropriate local, regional and state governmental entities in Nevada which have jurisdiction over the route and terminals located in this state. As a condition of awarding a franchise, the Commission shall require the franchisee to comply with this subsection.

3. Before the:

(a) Commission or a franchisee begins construction in California; and

(b) Receipt of any final certificates and permits necessary for the construction or use of a public right-of-way,

the route and terminals selected by the Commission must be approved by the appropriate local, regional and state governmental entities in California which have jurisdiction over the route and terminals located in that state. As a condition of awarding a franchise, the Commission shall require the franchisee to comply with this subsection.

(Added to NRS by 1987, 1358; A 1991, 177; 2001, 560; 2003, 5, 6, 1172)