The Nye County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Valley Electric Association (VEA) on Oct. 7 to extend electrical infrastructure toward the Pahrump fairgrounds site and support related water and energy work.

The memorandum, as amended by the board, replaces references to a Pahrump "civic center" with the term "fairgrounds" and directs staff to proceed with the infrastructure work described in the MOU. The board vote was 5-0.

Why it matters: The MOU commits VEA to provide a line extension and other in-kind contributions the county and local committees say are needed to bring power to a second well and to an existing cluster of fields and event space on the fairgrounds parcel. County leaders and community groups said the infrastructure could unlock development of ball fields, OHV amenities and other recreation that advocates say will bring tournaments and tourism revenue.

VEA CEO Robbie Hamlin, calling in on the meeting line, said the cooperative’s role is to supply infrastructure and not to dictate what will be built on the property. “Valley’s intent is not to specify what... goes on the land down there,” Hamlin said. “Valley does not have an objection to that. Our intent is to make a donate, make a commitment, and make a, you know, to the community.”

Commissioner Deborah Strickland framed the MOU as the fulfillment of long-standing promises to the community tied to prior transmission-sales revenues and donations. “I asked the promises made were promise is kept. I believe this MOU is the final payment to the people,” Strickland said, summarizing the document’s purpose and the county’s history with the project.

Public reaction was split at the meeting. Supporters — including coaches, youth-sports organizers and the Pahrump OHV advisory committee — said the infrastructure will allow more fields and tournaments that bring hotel and restaurant revenue. “If you build it, they will come,” said Paul Gaxiola, the regional commissioner for AYSO Region 808, urging the board to move forward.

Residents of nearby Mountain Falls and some others opposed the plan, raising concerns about traffic, noise, lighting and property values. “This is in our backyard, not yours,” said Mountain Falls resident Linda Clark.

What the MOU says and next steps: The MOU identifies VEA contributions to support a power line and related work to provide power for wells and event infrastructure; it references prior donations and coordination with the town/county. The board’s amendment swapped the term “civic center” for “fairgrounds” throughout the document, and the county manager and VEA agreed to proceed with the modified language. County staff will return with implementation details and next steps for any permitting, construction timelines and cost-share arrangements.

The board’s unanimous vote followed several hours of public comment and an extended staff and commissioner discussion about scope, funding and community impacts.