NV Mining Association talks with gov. over budget

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Administration officials say the Nevada Mining Association is in talks with Gov. Jim Gibbons on helping to plug the state's $880 million budget shortfall.

Deputy Chief of Staff Lynn Hettrick says Gov. Jim Gibbons met with association leaders, and "they're working on what they can do."

Hettrick says no firm numbers were discussed.

Gibbons this week released a list of proposed budget cuts that would save about $418 million over the biennium that ends June 30, 2011. But that's less then half of projected revenue shortfall that must be reconciled by law.

The governor acknowledges talks with mining interests have been ongoing. He says some suggestions include pre-paying sales taxes for a quick infusion of money, and increasing royalty calculations.