Clark County Slams Door On Paying F1 Paving Bill
The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix is behind us and depending on who you are (and what business you own) you probably have a different “F” word to describe it. The race was a spectacle, a major financial boon for the county and a 9 month pain in the rear on the roads. Clark County has had plenty to say about the race. Now that they’ve run the numbers, they’ve decided they won’t be paying for half of the F1 paving as was requested of them.
The county – in particular County Commissioner Tick Segerblom – has taken a very critical position towards the race in recent week. Segerblom went as far as to say the county never signed a deal for multiple races. They walked back that stance, but needless to say the relationship has been frosty. The insinuation is that the County hosts the race, not the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and F1. Therefore they should have a seat at the table.
County Scoffs At Paying The F1 Paving Bill
One of the biggest question marks about the race was who would be footing the bill for the months-long paving project along the race route. You know, the months of orange cones and lane closures that annoyed us all? Well, back in June the race asked the county to foot half of the $80 million bill to pave the route. The county didn’t say yes or no, but left that line item flapping in the wind. Well, the numbers are in and the county is saying “no thank you” to going dutch.
Commissioner Segerblom said the reimbursement is “off the table.” Why? Because the county didn’t get all of its money back.
There is a difference between “economic impact” and “actual money made.” While the event had a major economic impact of an estimated $1.5 billion, the money the county itself made wasn’t enough to cover staffing, only raising 89% of their total costs according to Clark County officials.
Considering discounted tickets to the actual race are starting at $350, chances are they could foot the bill themselves.
Let’s not forget that the Vegas Golden Knights had to deal with the cones during their victory parade!
