The Nevada state Transportation Board decided at least 6.98 percent of construction funds spent by the Nevada DOT from 2014 to 2016 should go to minority and women-owned businesses.
But during the meeting of the transportation board, Las Vegas contractor Richard Copeland, who is African-American, complained that less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the $500 million or more spent each year by the DOT goes to minorities. Copeland added the percentage goals set by the board are never reached.
Transportation Department Director Rudy Malfabon said he intends to hold more training programs for prospective contractors on the importance of hiring female and minority workers.
