Funding for V&T running out of steam February 5, 2008, 4:01 AM By Dave Frank Appeal Staff Writer Construction of the 18-mile tourist railroad that will run from Virginia City to Carson City could stall in a year if the project doesn't get more money. The assets for the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V & T Railway increased $1.5 million in the last fiscal year, but revenue dropped by more than $19 million, according to an audit by the Reno firm Kafoury, Armstrong and Co. Major grants from the state, Carson City and the Carson City Convention and Visitor's Bureau came in fiscal year 2006 but not in fiscal year 2007, the audit said. Another reason for the drop was the Legislature's rejection of an $8 million request from the commission at its last session. Railway representatives have said they will continue to lobby local, state and federal officials this year. The $54 million project is expected to be done in 2011 and the commission has raised about $40 million so far, including $21 million from Carson City. Workers have finished about a mile and a half of track from Gold Hill to the Overman Pit and have started on about 4.5 miles from American Flat in Storey County south to Mound House in Lyon County, which is expected to be done in August. Work will then start on the next 5 miles, which will take the railroad across Highway 50 into Carson City. That's scheduled to be done around February 2009, but it could stop there. Indefinitely. Bob Hadfield, head of the commission, said at a meeting on Monday that "the revenue is not there," and construction "might have to take a break" when the railroad crosses the highway. "We need to start kicking ourselves somewhere to make sure we're pulling it together," said Commissioner Dwight Millard. The train might have to run from Gold Hill to a temporary depot at the edge of Carson City until the commission can get more money, several commissioners said. Seeing a train run on part of the track would at least let people know the project isn't "some wish somewhere out there in the sky," said Commissioner Ron Allen. The commission is in negotiations with the Gray family to buy the Virginia & Truckee Railroad Co. so the 19th-century revival train can run to Virginia City, rather than stopping south at Gold Hill. Commissioners Hadfield and Carson City Mayor Marv Teixeira criticized counties, such as Lyon and Douglas, that are represented on the commission but have contributed little to the project. "Carson City's in $21 million," Teixeira said, "and I don't see a lot of people raising their hand saying, 'Sign me up.'"
It sounds as though there's plenty of positive interest. So, at worst, perhaps the project would only be slowed. Interesting noting the two counties which were singled out as minimally participating. Would be curious to know more... Boxcab E50
more... Obstacles won't be able to derail the V&T February 6, 2008, 4:01 AM Carson City residents are a little sensitive about big projects sitting undone, which is why the prospect of having construction of the V&T Railroad peter out at the city limits for an indefinite period of time wouldn't sit well. But are current funding obstacles really putting this massive project in jeopardy of falling short of its vision? Our view is quite the contrary: There is little reason to worry about the long term viability of the project. What do we base that on? For one thing, the obstacles the V&T faces now are significant, but they pale in comparison to the obstacles - financial and otherwise - faced by the people who conceived the project in 1992 and took the initial steps to making it happen. The naysayers were nipping at their heels the entire way, but what's been accomplished already qualifies as a success. Since then, the founders of the project have been joined by many more supporters, all of whom share a genuine commitment. State funding won't be easy to secure because of the economy, but federal transportation funds are a possibility, especially considering that one of the country's most powerful politicians, Sen. Harry Reid, has been a friend of the V&T. Even if there prove to be more setbacks, funding or otherwise, Northern Nevada should not lose sight of the importance of the V&T as an investment in the region's future. Will it bring an immediate financial windfall in the form of tourism dollars? There's no way to be sure, but we see it working in concert with nearby attractions to ensure a brighter future. Without making an investment like the V&T, that future would be uncertain at best. • This editorial represents the view of the Nevada Appeal Editorial Board.
I'd say the project has been a success. If there are still naysayers inflicting themselves, I'd question their real motivation. Boxcab E50
