Nye County accepts state grant to fund environmental review for Northside trailhead

Nye County accepted a $19,250 Recreational Trails Grant from the Nevada Division of State Parks to pay for an environmental review of the Northside Trailhead, with a required county match of $921.05.

Stephanie Erger, the county’s grant administrator, told commissioners the modest grant is the first step required by federal funding rules (the award uses federal highway funds administered by the state) and that completion of the environmental review will make the county eligible for an additional larger award to fund construction and amenities at the site. Erger said the county originally sought a larger amount, and the state chose to provide part of the requested funds to start the environmental process; the state’s program requires the NEPA/environmental review work before larger construction dollars are released.

Commissioners approved execution of the project agreement and the required match, and staff said the grant funding will be added to the county grants fund and that the county’s small match will be charged to the general fund. The item was presented by the county grants administrator and the public‑lands committee chair described the trailhead as an element of longer trail connectivity efforts (Battle Born Trail) that aim to increase recreation‑based tourism.

Ending: County staff will execute the grant agreement, begin the environmental review work and return as needed for later approvals when construction funds are requested.