Community Grants, Road Project, and Fire Funding Highlight Storey County Commission Meeting

Storey County community residents can now apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding for projects in their communities as part of the county's Community Project Grant Program, one of several major announcements made during the July 7, 2026, meeting of the Storey County Board of Commissioners.

Applications are open through Aug. 31, with each of the county's four communities eligible to receive up to $20,000 for projects that benefit local residents.

Tracy Curtis with Community Development, Michele Stoveken with Dispatch and Dave Ranson with the Sheriff’s Office were recognized for 10 years of service; Joseph Welch with the Sheriff’s Office was recognized for 15 years; and James Deane was recognized for 20 years of service.

County staff also shared several community updates.

The annual Hot August Nights event will bring traffic changes to Virginia City on July 31 and Aug. 1. C Street will close from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Flowery and Sutton streets for the classic car display. B Street will operate as one-way southbound traffic, while D Street will operate one-way northbound. A free shuttle will transport visitors between the Post Office and downtown during the event.

Sheriff's Night Out will take place Aug. 25 in Lockwood at Louise Peri Ranch Park and Sept. 1 in Virginia City at Miner’s Park from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Lockwood Senior Community Center will soon receive a new mural after St. Mary's Art Center Executive Director A. Perry secured a $15,000 grant from the Nevada Arts Council. Community members are invited to discuss mural ideas during a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. on July 30 at the Lockwood Senior Community Center (800 Peri Ranch Road).

Emergency Management also announced plans to conduct a countywide earthquake preparedness evacuation drill for Virginia City and Gold Hill residents in fall 2026. Additional details will be released at a later date.

County officials said property tax calculations began this week, with tax bills expected to be mailed to property owners by the end of next week. Residents can pay online today with the first installment due August 17, 2026.

County officials announced that federal funding requests continue moving forward. U.S. Sens. Jackie Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto submitted four Storey County infrastructure projects for consideration by the federal appropriations committee, while Rep. Mark Amodei's office submitted the Silver City Water Main project. The requests include funding for A Street Road Rehabilitation, the Divide Street Water Main, the Silver City Water Main, and the Lead Siphon Water Main.

The county also received a $45,000 grant through the Commission on Cultural Centers for Historic Preservation to rehabilitate the historic carriage doors at Piper's Opera House. Construction will begin after the county receives a signed funding agreement.

Sheriff Cullen reported a record 900 calls for service in June. Deputies also conducted 903 traffic stops, issued 269 citations, and made 84 arrests during the month. Sheriff officials said the department continues emphasizing education over enforcement while improving response times through additional patrols in the USA Parkway area, motorcycle deployment, and staffing adjustments.

Emergency Management Director Adam Wilson reported completing significant preparedness efforts during fiscal year 2025-26, including updates to the county's emergency operations plans, expanded community outreach and training, equipment purchases through grant funding, and continued recovery work from the 2023 storms. The county has recovered nearly $300,000 in FEMA reimbursements for storm damage.

Planning Director Kathy Canfield completed the final draft of the C Street parking study while continuing work on TRI drainage and traffic studies, Waltham Way improvements, Long Valley Creek cleanup efforts in Lockwood, and bridge replacement evaluations.

Community Development Director Joseph Starnes reported continued growth despite staffing changes, noting increased permit and plan review activity while preparing for continued development throughout the county.

Information Technology Director James Deane shared that the team has completed several technology upgrades during the past fiscal year, including countywide multifactor authentication, 10-gigabit network improvements, expanded in-house radio maintenance capabilities, and retirement of outdated microwave radio equipment.

Health and Community Services Director Stacy York received renewed Homemaker and Transportation grants for fiscal year 2027. While transportation funding was reduced by $4,000, department officials said services will not be affected because of county support.

County Manager Austin Osborne also presented an annual report highlighting continued growth in county staffing, equipment, infrastructure, and community services.

Commissioners also approved several infrastructure projects and received updates on public safety, emergency management, and county growth.

The Highway Board awarded the 2026 Mark Twain Road Rehabilitation Project to SNC Construction for approximately $4.5 million. DOWL Engineering will provide construction management services, bringing the total project cost to nearly $5 million.

The Storey County Fire Protection District Board approved funding for two new Type 1 fire engines and two new firefighter training facilities as part of a new collective bargaining agreement with the Storey County Firefighters Association Local 4227. The board also approved updated personnel and equipment costs along with a new billing rate agreement for emergency response reimbursements.

Commissioners approved an easement allowing the TRI General Improvement District to construct and operate two water tanks on county-owned property near the southern USA Parkway and TRI-Center.

The board also approved an amendment to a special use permit for Asia Union Electronic Chemicals – Reno Inc., allowing the company to add a new chemical to its list of approved products, and approved a contract with RCG Economics to update the county's 2023 Regional Benefits Report and provide economic consulting services related to future legislative sessions.