LAS VEGAS, NEV. – The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is accepting public feedback and hosting a February 16 virtual rail summit to finalize the Nevada State Rail Plan, outlining potential new and enhanced railroad facilities to create a more efficient and sustainable statewide transportation network.

The public can visit www.nevadadot.com/mobility and select “Rail Planning” (direct link: https://www.nevadadot.com/mobility/rail-planning/state-rail-plan/-fsiteid-1) to gather updates and provide feedback through March 4 on rail improvements to enhance Nevada’s transportation network.

The plan will be finalized following public comment and a virtual statewide rail summit on Feb. 16. The summit will provide an overview of plan recommendations and strategies and gather stakeholder and public feedback. Interested members of the public can register for the free summit by visiting the rail plan web site.

Currently, rail carries 23 percent of all Nevada freight tonnage. With a mile-long train equaling the freight capacity of a 26-mile convoy of trucks, targeted rail improvements could optimize existing freight networks to improve travel time reliability, reduce vehicle emissions and support Nevada’s economic development.

NDOT brought together more than 200 rail, economic development and government leaders to analyze current and future shipping and transportation needs and draft a plan outlining more than 50 potential rail infrastructure projects to create economic advantages and transportation efficiencies.

The plan outlines options to improve and integrate rail through local and private sector investment in eight regions of the state. Rail improvements listed in the plan become eligible for federal grant funding, opening the opportunity for local government and economic development partners to potentially pursue the rail improvements in the future.

“By optimizing freight distribution across Nevada, rail transportation can contribute to more reliable and safer roads. Ultimately, the statewide rail plan will paint a blueprint for potential rail improvements to augment our existing freight systems and provide jobs, tax revenue and business opportunities, not to mention enhance mobility, traffic safety and the environment for Nevada’s families,” NDOT rail planning manager Lee Bonner explained. “It sets us on a path to fully utilize rail for an integrated and sustainable statewide freight transportation network.”

​CARSON CITY, Nev. - Hoy, la Oficina del Tesorero del Estado de Nevada y la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico del Gobernador (GOED) publicaron información adicional sobre el Programa de Subvenciones de Apoyo Técnico de Emergencia, conocido como el programa PETS, por sus siglas en inglés (Pandemic Emergency Technical Support).
 
Durante el Informe de Gobierno que se llevó a cabo este martes, el gobernador Sisolak pidió a la Legislatura de Nevada la aprobación de $50 millones adicionales para el programa PETS para seguir proporcionando apoyo a las pequeñas empresas durante la pandemia.
 
Esta financiación seria adicional a los $51 millones anteriormente designados para el programa, llevando el financiamiento total a $101 millones.
 
El gobernador le pedido a la Legislatura que se le dé prioridad a la aprobación de estos fondos, una vez que se reúnan el primero de febrero, para que estos fondos adicionales puedan ser asignados a los aplicantes lo más pronto posible.
 
Si se aprueba esta propuesta, el estado continuar financiando las pequeñas empresas que sometieron solicitudes para recibir asistencia por medio del programa PETS durante el periodo del 19 al 22 de octubre de 2020.
 
El estado recibió más de 13,500 solicitudes de asistencia del programa PETS durante el período de solicitud. Hasta la fecha, más de $50 millones han sido otorgados a los solicitantes aprobados.
 
Los solicitantes que actualmente están esperando saber si serán beneficiarios de una subvención de PETS, junto a aquellos que fueron denegados anteriormente debido a la falta de fondos disponibles, recibirán un correo electrónico hoy con más información sobre estas actualizaciones.
 
La Oficina del Tesorero del Estado y la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico del Gobernador (GOED) mantienen su compromiso de garantizar que las pequeñas empresas de Nevada tengan los recursos que necesitan para superar este momento desafiante.
 
Se les aconseja a las pequeñas empresas de Nevada que estén interesadas en ser notificadas sobre futuras oportunidades de financiamiento de subvencione, completar este formulario.

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Today, the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) released an update on the Pandemic Emergency Technical Support (PETS) Grant program.
 
During Tuesday’s State of the State address, Governor Sisolak called on the Legislature to approve an additional $50 million dollars for the PETS program to continue supporting small businesses during the pandemic.
 
This funding is in addition to the $51 million that has previously been allocated for the program, bringing total funding to $101 million.
 
The Governor has asked the Legislature to prioritize approval of these funds once it convenes on February 1 so the additional funding can be allocated to applicants as soon as possible.
 
If approved, the State intends to continue funding the small businesses that submitted applications for the PETS program from October 19 – October 22, 2020.
 
The State received over 13,500 applications for the PETS program during the application period. To date, over $50 million has been granted to approved applicants.
 
All applicants who are currently waiting to hear if they have been awarded a PETS grant, along with those who were previously denied due to lack of available funding, will be e-mailed today with further information on these recent updates.
 
The State Treasurer’s Office and GOED remain committed to ensuring that Nevada’s small businesses have the resources they need to make it through this challenging time.
 
Nevada small businesses that are interested in being notified of future grant funding opportunities are encouraged to fill out this form.
​

​WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 a.m. EST. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.
 
Earlier in the week, SBA granted dedicated PPP access to Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to reach underserved and minority small businesses.
 
On Friday, SBA will continue its emphasis on reaching smaller lenders and businesses by opening to approximately 5,000 more lenders, including community banks, credit unions, and farm credit institutions.  Moreover, the agency also plans to have dedicated service hours for these smaller lenders after the portal fully re-opens next week.
 
“A second round of PPP could not have come at a better time, and the SBA is making every effort to ensure small businesses have the emergency financial support they need to continuing weathering this time of uncertainty,” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. “SBA has worked expeditiously to ensure our policies and systems are re-launched so that this vital small business aid helps communities hardest hit by the pandemic. I strongly encourage America’s entrepreneurs needing financial assistance to apply for a First or Second Draw PPP loan.”
 
“We are pleased to have opened PPP loans to CDFIs, MDIs, CDCs, and Microloan Intermediaries.  The PPP is already providing America’s small businesses hardest hit by the pandemic with vital economic relief,” said Secretary of the Treasury Steven T. Mnuchin. “As the Program re-opens for all First and Second Draw borrowers next week, the PPP will allow small businesses to keep workers on payroll and connected to their health insurance.”
 
First Draw PPP Loans are for those borrowers who have not received a PPP loan before August 8, 2020. The first round of the PPP, which ran from March to August 2020, was a historic success helping 5.2 million small businesses keep 51 million American workers employed.  
 
Second Draw PPP Loans are for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less, that previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will use or have used the full amount only for authorized uses, and that can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. The maximum amount of a Second Draw PPP loan is $2 million. 
​
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp and www.treasury.gov/cares.

​About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.­

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal today at 9 am ET. SBA is continuing its dedicated commitment to underserved small businesses and to addressing potential access to capital barriers by initially granting PPP access exclusively to community financial institutions (CFIs) that typically serve these concerns.
 
When the PPP loan portal re-opened today, it initially accepted First Draw PPP loan applications from participating CFIs, which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and Microloan Intermediaries. These lenders made up approximately 10% of all PPP participating lenders in 2020. A First Draw PPP loan is for those borrowers who have yet to receive a PPP loan before the program closed in August 2020.
 
On Jan. 13, 2021, participating CFIs may begin submitting application information to SBA for Second Draw PPP loans. A Second Draw PPP loan is for certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan, generally have 300 employees or less, and has suffered a 25% reduction in gross receipts. At least $15 billion is set aside for additional PPP lending by CFIs.
 
A few days later, additional lenders will be able to submit First and Second draw PPP loan applications. SBA will continue to provide updates on systems operations during the week of Jan. 11, 2021. Additionally, SBA plans to dedicate specific times to process and assist the smallest PPP lenders with loan applications from eligible small businesses.
 
The opening of the SBA loan system is designed to efficiently and effectively implement the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act and to ensure increased access to the PPP for minority-, underserved-, veteran- and women-owned small business concerns. SBA also is calling upon its lending partners to redouble their efforts to assist eligible borrowers in underserved and disadvantaged communities.
 
Updated PPP Lender forms, guidance, and resources are available at www.sba.gov/ppp.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced today that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13.  The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.
 
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
 
“The historically successful Paycheck Protection Program served as an economic lifeline to millions of small businesses and their employees when they needed it most,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza. 
 
“Today’s guidance builds on the success of the program and adapts to the changing needs of small business owners by providing targeted relief and a simpler forgiveness process to ensure their path to recovery.”
 
“The Paycheck Protection Program has successfully provided 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion to America’s small businesses, supporting more than 51 million jobs,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. 
 
“This updated guidance enhances the PPP’s targeted relief to small businesses most impacted by COVID-19.  We are committed to implementing this round of PPP quickly to continue supporting American small businesses and their workers.”
Key PPP updates include:

• PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
• PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
• The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
• The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
• Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
• Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 

A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:

• Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
• Has no more than 300 employees; and
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.

The new guidance released includes:

• PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns;
• Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act; and
• Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans.

​
For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares. 

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Carson City, Nevada - The 31st Special Session of the Nevada Legislature enacted Senate Bill 3, which provides for a one-time tax amnesty program for businesses or individuals doing business in Nevada who may have an existing tax liability. The amnesty period will begin February 1, 2021 and ends on May 1, 2021. Businesses or individuals may pay the delinquent tax online using a credit card or debit card or by sending a check by mail, please see instructions below.

The amnesty program allows penalty and interest to be waived providing the outstanding tax delinquency meets the following criteria:

1. The tax was due and payable on or before 6/30/2020, which includes:                           a. All monthly tax returns due on or before June 30, 2020, and                                       b. All quarterly tax returns due on or before April 30, 2020
2. The delinquent tax amount was paid in full for the period. If a taxpayer has several delinquent returns but is only able to pay one or more periods, the penalty and interest may be waived for each period providing the tax is paid in full and;
3. The delinquent tax is paid during the amnesty period of February 1, 2021 and May 1, 2021.

The types of taxes included in the amnesty program are as follows: Sales & Use Tax, Modified Business Tax, Cigarette Tax, Other Tobacco Products Tax, Liquor Tax, Bank Branch Excise Tax, Insurance Premium Tax, Tire Tax, Live Entertainment Tax (non-gaming), Short Term Lessor (Passenger Car Governmental Service Fee) , Exhibition Facilities Fees, Commerce Tax, Transportation Connection Tax, Wholesale Marijuana Excise Tax, Retail Marijuana Excise Tax, Centrally Assessed Property Tax, and Net Proceeds of Mineral Tax.

Taxes that are not included in the amnesty program include, Lodging Tax; Real Property Transfer Tax and Locally Assessed Property Tax.

The amnesty program does not apply to businesses or individuals who have:

1. Entered into a compromise or settlement agreement with the Department of Taxation or Nevada Tax Commission regarding the unpaid tax or assessment, or
2. Are currently under audit but has not received a final deficiency determination prior to the last day of the amnesty period.

A business or individual who pays the delinquent tax during the amnesty program may be selected for an audit in the same manner as a person who does not pay delinquent taxes during the amnesty program.

If a business or individual has filed bankruptcy within the last five years, please call the Department for amnesty qualifications.

Amnesty payments may be made online using a Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or debit card at www.nevadatax.nv.gov or by writing “Amnesty” at the top of a tax return and mailing it along with a check for payment in full to the address below.

Department of Taxation
1550 College Parkway, Suite 115
Carson City, NV 89706

​For more information, please visit the Department’s website at http://tax.state.nv.us/ or contact the Call Center at (866) 962-3707.

​[Mesquite, NV - November 9, 2020] The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce announced today that it is working with American Express as a member of the Small Business Saturday Coalition Program. They will promote local participating businesses through print promotion, social media marketing, and host a new interactive game as part of Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov 28. Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday celebrates the impact small businesses have on communities across the country.
 
The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce will be using social media paid advertising and print promotion to keep locals informed of the specials that each of the participating businesses and organizations will be hosting. Shoppers should plan to see specials and events from businesses in retail, dining, salons, health and wellness, the arts, and more. To bring a little more entertainment and holiday cheer to Small Business Saturday, the Chamber will also be hosting an interactive game this year called “Find Peppermint Jingle.” Peppermint the Chamber Elf will be hiding at select participating businesses where adult shoppers can try to find him and be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to one of the businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, while children may receive a holiday treat at the store provided by the Chamber for their efforts.
 
This year’s celebration is the 11th Annual Small Business Saturday, since it started in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $120 billion across all Small Business Saturdays combined. (1) That’s $120 billion toward helping communities thrive, spent over just ten days alone.
 
In order to drive shoppers to Shop Small® this Nov 28, the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce is participating in the Small Business Saturday Coalition Program to spotlight small businesses and the impact they have on communities. According to the 2019 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, 97% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday agree that small businesses are essential to their community and 95% reported the day makes them want to shop or eat at small, independently-owned businesses all year long, not just during the holiday season(2).
 
This year will mark the 4th year that the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce has been a coalition member participating in Small Business Saturday. Shoppers looking to participate in the event will be able to find information on Mesquite businesses and their holiday specials through the Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mesquitechamber. If a local business would like to participate they may reach out to the Chamber directly at 702-346-2902.
 
Merchants and consumers can learn more about Shop Small, Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com
 
Contact:
Aloree Smith
Mesquite Chamber of Commerce
702-346-2902
aloree@mesquitenvchamber.com
 
Contact at American Express:
Megan. C. Hunsicker
 
About Small Business Saturday
November 28, 2020, marks the 11th Annual Small Business Saturday, a celebration of small businesses and the positive impact they have on communities across the country. American Express, having created Small Business Saturday in 2010, proudly works with organizations and independent businesses to provide solutions that support communities and uplift local economies. Learn more and connect with us on ShopSmall.com, Instagram.com/ShopSmall, and Facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday
 
(1) This spend statistic is an aggregate of the average spend as reported by consumers in surveys commissioned by American Express reporting spend habits on Small Business Saturday of consumers who were aware of the day. It does not reflect actual receipts or sales. Each such survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. The surveys had an overall margin of error of between +/- 2.0% and +/- 5.47%, at the 95% level of confidence. The data was projected from the samples based on then-current U.S. Census estimates of the U.S. adult population (18+).

(2) The 2019 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey was conducted by Teneo on behalf of American Express and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). The study is a nationally representative sample of 2,287 U.S. adults 18 years of age or older. The sample was collected using an email invitation and an online survey. The study gathered self-reported data and does not reflect actual receipts or sales. It was conducted anonymously on December 1, 2019. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 2.0%, at the 95% level of confidence. Projections are based on the current U.S. Census estimates of the U.S. adult population, age 18 years and over.

​[Mesquite, NV, November 5, 2020] The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce will receive $33,910 in grant money from the COVID-19 Rural Recovery Grant program that was approved by the Nevada Commission on Tourism on Wednesday. The grants are designed to help Nevada’s rural communities bolster tourism immediately, and to disseminate the message that they are open to visitors and safe.
 
“We are really excited about receiving the tourism grants so we can help promote that Mesquite is open and safe,” said Carol Kolson, President and CEO of the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce. Kolson has a background in economic development and tourism having held a previous Chamber CEO position in Washington state.
 
In order for the Chamber to receive the grants, they were required to complete a detailed application outlining the ways they would generate tourism in Mesquite.  
 
The money received by the Chamber will be used for print advertising in the Nevada Visitors Guide, Nevada Magazine, and through a comprehensive tourism marketing campaign with a local Las Vegas tv channel.
 
“We feel this is just what Mesquite needs to get back on track during this pandemic. We are extremely grateful to the Nevada Commission on Tourism for this great opportunity for our rural communities,” said Kolson.
 
The relief program was established through the CARES Act that was received by the State of Nevada, and after the Nevada Commission on Tourism voted to distribute $1.65 million in grants to assist communities in recovering from COVID-19. 

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As part of its mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible, which includes providing direct access to cardiovascular care in rural areas in need of specialty providers, Intermountain Healthcare has opened its first heart and vascular clinic in Mesquite, Nevada.

The new clinic, located at 786 W. Pioneer Boulevard, Suite A, in Mesquite, will be staffed by five cardiology providers and two vascular clinicians, and will feature state-of-the art technology.

Starting in October, three providers who focus on electrophysiology will begin offering services to patients at the clinic. The full range of the services available at the clinic includes ECG, echocardiograms, vascular ultrasounds, device interrogations, cardiac arrhythmia risk evaluations, structural heart evaluations, general cardiology evaluations, and venous and arterial evaluations.

“We’re elated to offer these services to Mesquite residents who would otherwise have to travel a significant distance away from their homes to St. George or Las Vegas to receive the same level of quality care,” said ­­Tonja Reidy, director of cardiology at Intermountain Healthcare in Nevada. “Our clinicians and caregivers at this clinic benefit from the resources of our cardiology program, which is fully integrated with highly specialized heart services from the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute.”

Heart disease is a major health problem in the world and in the United States. It’s the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. One person dies every 36 seconds in the U.S. from cardiovascular disease. About 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, which is one in every four deaths.
​
The new Intermountain heart and vascular clinic, which opened on Sept. 4,  is located adjacent to Intermountain’s myGeneration Senior Clinic, which opened in its new location last October. The myGeneration Senior Clinic model specializes in advanced senior primary care, focusing on preventive methods that provide better health outcomes. Patients of myGeneration Senior Clinics enjoy more time with their providers, access to a network of Intermountain Healthcare specialists, and many other exclusive benefits. The Virgin Valley clinic is also currently accepting new Medicare Advantage patients.

Intermountain Healthcare Heart and Vascular Clinic Location
786 W. Pioneer Boulevard, Suite A
Mesquite, NV 89027
Phone:  435-251-2500
Clinic Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone Hours:  Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About Intermountain Healthcare
Intermountain Healthcare is a not-for-profit system of 24 hospitals, 215 clinics, a Medical Group with 2,500 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, a health insurance company called SelectHealth, and other health services in Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. Intermountain is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes and sustainable costs. For more information, see intermountain.com/nevada.

​Contact: Christina Cober: ccober@imailnv.org / 702-241-7132