VNT Commission authorizes member to coordinate with Virginia City Tourism Commission on passenger van procurement

The Nevada Commission for the Construction of the VNT Railway on a motion authorized a commission member to coordinate with the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) to pursue a shared passenger van and to begin procurement planning, with the goal of securing the vehicle prior to the next train season. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission said it had budgeted $75,000 in the FY2025–26 planning process for purchase of a van or shuttle for VNT Railway use. Chair Clay Mitchell summarized the request and recommended beginning procurement procedures once partnership terms are defined. "It's recommended that the commission approve the initiation of procurement procedures for the purchase of said van with the goal of securing the vehicle prior to the start of the next train season," Chair Mitchell said.

Why it matters: commissioners framed the vehicle as a guest-service improvement for train season and a potential shared asset that could reduce duplication of services between agencies. A coordinated arrangement would let both organizations share operating costs and staffing while preserving the van for VNT service during high-demand periods.

Discussion and concerns

Leah, speaking for the Virginia City Tourism Commission, said VCTC was “very happy to work with the BNT railway” but outlined items she expects an MOU to address: insurance across jurisdictions, cost-sharing for maintenance and operations, staffing, storage and fueling, and dispatch/scheduling. "We gotta make sure that that's in line," Leah said, specifically noting cross-county insurance questions if the vehicle operates in multiple counties.

Vice Chair David Peterson and other commissioners raised similar points: who would staff and dispatch the vehicle, where it would be stored and fueled, and how maintenance costs would be split. Commissioners also discussed flexible capacity — staff suggested the purchase might be a 12–13 passenger ADA-accessible shuttle rather than a 15-passenger van, and confirmed a wheelchair lift is intended.

Potential conflicts and next steps

Commissioners discussed whether a member who also serves on VCTC could represent the commission in negotiations. Legal counsel (Lucas) advised the agenda item is broad enough that any member could be appointed but suggested checking for conflicts of interest before finalizing a designee. To preserve an arm’s-length negotiation, the commission asked the chair to appoint a representative if no conflict exists.

Vice Chair Peterson volunteered to lead coordination with VCTC. The commission moved and approved the following formal action:

Votes at a glance

- Motion: “I move to authorize David Peterson to coordinate with VCTC on the partnership for the operation and maintenance of a passenger van and begin procurement planning.” - Mover: Leah (commission member) - Second: David Peterson (Vice Chair) - Outcome: Passed unanimously (Ayes: Clay Mitchell, David Peterson, Treasurer Cruz, Secretary Hicks)

What remains: staff said once partnership terms and the vehicle are identified the procurement will return to the commission for final approval and that further work should establish an MOU covering insurance, cost-share, storage/fueling, ADA access, and operational dispatch.

Ending

Commissioners asked staff to draft MOU points and to return with recommended procurement specifications and schedule options for a vehicle that meets VNT operational needs and ADA accessibility. The commission did not approve a purchase contract at this meeting.