WASHINGTON — Nevada’s drone testing sites would have more autonomy to partner with private industry on emerging technology, and McCarran International Airport could use federal funds to build facilities that offer multiple transportation modes under provisions Sen. Dean Heller inserted into a major aviation bill. “Given the major role aviation plays in Nevada’s economy, I am particularly grateful to have secured numerous priorities in the FAA reauthorization legislation that will benefit our state ,” Heller said. The Nevada Republican sits on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which is expected next week to take up the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill introduced by Chairman John Thune, R-S.D. Since Nevada is one of six Unmanned Aircraft Systems test site locations , the senator said the state will drive drone-related technological research and economic growth statewide. Heller said his provisions in Thune’s bill would provide Nevada’s testing sites — Nellis Air Force Base and the Reno-Stead, Fallon and Boulder City airports — more autonomy and flexibility to partner with industry to test emerging technology, including beyond line-of-sight operations. On ensuring use of federal dollars by McCarran to build facilities that offer bus, rail, taxi and Uber modes of transportation, Heller […]

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