Storey County Commissioners Advance Road Projects, Address Community Priorities in September
The Storey County Board of Commissioners took action on road improvements, emergency preparedness, public safety and community projects during its Sept. 1 and Sept. 15 meetings.
Across the two meetings, commissioners advanced the rehabilitation of Six Mile Canyon and Cartwright roads, adopted an updated countywide hazard mitigation plan, approved the purchase of a new fire engine and addressed projects ranging from historic preservation to improvements at Saint Mary’s Art Center.
Road projects move forward
Road and transportation projects were the focus throughout the month.
During the Sept. 15 meeting, commissioners, acting as the Storey County Highway Board, approved two task orders with DOWL Engineering for upcoming road rehabilitation projects. The county approved $831,762 for design of the Six Mile Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project and $374,340 for design of the Cartwright Road Rehabilitation Project.
Commissioners also directed staff to add seasonal speed bumps on Cartwright Road at or near the Highlands Mailbox Plaza.
Elsewhere in the county, work continues on the Mark Twain Road Rehabilitation Project, including drainage and roadway improvements. Since planning for the project began in 2017, approximately $6.5 million has been invested in engineering, construction management and road improvements. Staff is also working to address drainage issues in Lockwood before moving forward with paving improvements.
County adopts updated hazard mitigation plan
At the Sept. 1 meeting, commissioners adopted the updated Storey County Hazard Mitigation Plan following a two-year update and review process.
The plan identifies hazards that could affect Storey County and outlines strategies to reduce risks to residents, property, and infrastructure. FEMA’s final approval of the plan will restore the county’s eligibility for federal hazard mitigation assistance grants.
The adoption comes as Storey County continues other emergency preparedness efforts. A FEMA earthquake assessment team recently evaluated 10 critical infrastructure facilities in Virginia City as part of the county’s ongoing earthquake preparedness work.
Divide Fitness lease approved
An item brought to the board during the Sept. 1 meeting returned to commissioners Sept. 15, when the board approved a lease for the county-owned space at 800 South C Street occupied by Divide Fitness Inc.
Commissioners approved leasing the space at its appraised value of $3,280 per month, with utilities and annual rent increases waived for the life of the lease. The lease term is three years with an option for a two-year renewal.
Storey County will also be responsible for maintaining fire extinguishers within the Divide Fitness premises to protect the county-owned building and help ensure the safety of staff and clients in adjacent departments.
Fire district purchases new engine
During the Sept. 1 meeting, commissioners, acting as the Storey County Fire Protection District Board, approved approximately $1.24 million for a new all-wheel-drive Type 1 fire engine for Station 71 in Virginia City.
The all-wheel-drive engine is expected to arrive about a year sooner than the four-wheel-drive model originally planned and offers operational and maintenance advantages.
The board also approved up to $25,000 to purchase and outfit a passenger van. The vehicle will primarily support the district’s new six-cadet academy and provide transportation for personnel attending training outside the area.
Historic preservation efforts continue
Several actions taken across the two meetings focused on Storey County’s historic resources.
On Sept. 1, commissioners approved sending a letter supporting the nomination of the Miners Union Hall at 36 North B Street in Virginia City to the Nevada State Register of Historic Places. Built in 1876, the hall has served as a community gathering place for nearly 150 years and has been home to Comstock Aerie 523, Fraternal Order of Eagles, since 1926.
On Sept. 15, commissioners added a historic preservation officer to the county’s staffing structure. The position will oversee programs related to historic preservation, museum operations, artifact and collection management, and nonprofit organizations associated with historic county properties.
The board also approved an $11,500 contract with Paul Cavin Architect LLC for conceptual planning services for an elevator project at Saint Mary’s Art Center.
Other county projects and updates
Work continues on several county projects, including the Gold Hill sewer collection system, the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center Sheriff’s Substation and improvements at Piper’s Opera House.
Staff also reported an administrative amendment to DOWL’s task order for the Comstock Siphon Water Main Replacement Project to incorporate the firm’s 2026-27 fee schedule. The amendment does not change the project’s scope or cost.
Staff is also finalizing a contract with Hoefer AE Services to begin work on the new Storey County Justice Center.
The Storey County Sheriff’s Office also reported 82 arrests, 957 calls for service and 963 traffic stops in August, resulting in 311 citations. The office reported increased drug seizures through K-9 enforcement efforts at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center during the first part of September.
County staff also recently met with the Nevada Department of Transportation to discuss transportation planning and issues along USA Parkway, Interstate 80 and the U.S. 50 corridor, including better coordination between state and county planning efforts.
Catch up on the Aug. 18 meeting
Missed the Aug. 18 Storey County Board of Commissioners meeting? Read the county’s full meeting recap for highlights, staff updates and actions taken by the board.
