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Did Steve Sisolak order two new jets when he called for COVID-19 shutdowns?

By Todd Butterworth
NO

For many years, the Nevada state government owned a Cessna Citation jet and a King Air turboprop airplane for use by the governor and state employees traveling on business. In 2019, these airplanes were 31 and 37 years old, respectively, so state lawmakers appropriated approximately $14 million for their replacement.

The Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee further reviewed the proposed purchases at its Aug. 15, 2019, meeting. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nevada Department of Transportation began purchasing the replacement airplanes, a Beechcraft King Air turboprop and a Pilatus PC-24 jet.

According to NDOT, as of February 2022, Governor Sisolak had not flown in either plane during their first year of operation. The aircraft are used extensively by NDOT employees as well as other state employees and officials. 

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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