Victoria Campbell-News 4

For most people, the Washoe County Fuel Tax bill will mean paying an extra two cents per gallon when they're filling up their gas tanks.

But for Geremia Husak, it means he's back at work on a construction job after ten months of unemployment.

"They really needed me, and I'm happy to be here for as long as the job lasts," said Husak, who was laid off last August. "Hopefully there will be another job after this."

Daniel Collins, who works for Granite Construction, usually enjoys some job security. But he, too, was laid off in December, and returned to work in April.

"You keep the money in the bank and hope for the best," he said. "You pay the bills as they come in and you don't spend any other money. I'm glad to be back at work so I can start spending money and help the economy a little."

The Regional Transportation Commission is planning to launch 41 road projects this year. Experts are estimating that the projects will employ 3,000 people and bring $250 million worth of work to Washoe County. 

"The contractors will reach back out to people they unfortunately had to lay off," said Buzz Harris with Associated General Contractors. "There is a large, large workforce that's very hungry to get back to work."

The first day back at work has been a relief, says Husak, who was attending his nephew's graduation from kindergarten on Tuesday when he learned that he had a job. "I was jumping up and down for joy, really," he said.

Did he sleep better that night, knowing he had a job? "I couldn't," he grinned. "I was too excited." 

The Nevada Legislature voted the bill into law when they overturned Governor Jim Gibbons' veto of it during the 75th legislative session.