State briefs

The federal Department of Transportation has added $96,833 to the funding for construction of a new Interstate 80 interchange at Fernley.

Sens. Harry Reid and John Ensign said the multimillion dollar project will relieve congestion in that area by constructing bridges and on and off ramps that will also enhance the ability of commercial traffic to reach businesses and improve safety.

"We are in an ongoing struggle to enable Nevada's road system to keep up with our unprecedented growth," said Ensign, a Republican.

Reid, a Democrat, said traffic on Interstate 80 is growing with the state's population and increasing demands on Nevada's transportation system.

Ensign and Reid have worked for years to get more federal funding for projects on Interstate 80, the primary cross-country highway through Nevada.

Teachers union picks Marshall for treasurer

The Nevada State Education Association has endorsed Democrat Kate Marshall in the race for state treasurer.

The union represents more than 22,000 educators in Nevada.

A spokesman said Marshall understands the need for a strong educational system to help sustain Nevada's economic growth.

Association President Terry Hickman said Marshall understands "the big picture" and importance of education to Nevada's future.

"Employers won't move to Nevada if we can't provide the type of educated workforce employers need to grow," Marshall said.

Ex-NDOT worker sentenced for stealing engine

The former Department of Transportation worker convicted of seven counts involving theft of a state truck engine has received a suspended sentence.

Floyd Lynch, 39, of Sparks, was given two years probation and ordered to pay restitution as well as perform 100 hours of community service.

Prosecutors say Lynch and an accomplice, identified as Derrick Burlingame, 33, of Reno, took the NDOT truck engine out of a vehicle during a graveyard shift at the Mount Rose Galena Station and replaced it with another engine. NDOT officials discovered the swap the next day.

Lynch was convicted of felony burglary, grand larceny, misconduct by a public officer and embezzlement along with three gross misdemeanor counts of conspiracy.

Burlingame also faces charges of grand larceny in connection with the incident. He pleaded guilty last week and will be sentenced on June 30. Burlingame was not an NDOT employee.