Commission approves Port of Nevada rail expansion special-use permit
November 13, 2025 | Churchill County, Nevada
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The Churchill County Planning Commission recommended approval of a Special Use Permit (SUP205-37) for the Port of Nevada’s phase 3 rail expansion, a project the applicant said will add roughly 13,000 linear feet of rail and expand transloading and spur tracks.
Dean Patterson, public works and planning, summarized staff review: the project includes rail spurs and transloading areas, a rerouted driveway across the tracks, a weigh scale near the main gate and support facilities. NDOT submitted standard comment letters; the applicant is coordinating with NDOT and the state fire marshal on safety and access. Patterson said staff recommended approval with conditions, including a five-year period to complete improvements and director-level authority to approve minor location changes to avoid repeated returns to the commission.
Tara Anderson, representing the Port, said the scope is consistent with existing rail and transloading operations and mainly adds linear track to grow transloading capacity. Commissioners asked about coordination with fire officials and NDOT; staff said the applicant has been consulting with the fire marshal and NDOT and that conditions cover those issues.
Commissioner Tammy Edgmon moved to approve the SUP; the motion passed unanimously. The approval is subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, including state fire marshal sign-off and standard NDOT coordination.
What’s next: The applicant will proceed with NDOT and fire marshal approvals and has up to five years under the permit conditions to complete the phase 3 improvements. Staff will monitor minor location changes under director authority as allowed by the approval.
Dean Patterson, public works and planning, summarized staff review: the project includes rail spurs and transloading areas, a rerouted driveway across the tracks, a weigh scale near the main gate and support facilities. NDOT submitted standard comment letters; the applicant is coordinating with NDOT and the state fire marshal on safety and access. Patterson said staff recommended approval with conditions, including a five-year period to complete improvements and director-level authority to approve minor location changes to avoid repeated returns to the commission.
Tara Anderson, representing the Port, said the scope is consistent with existing rail and transloading operations and mainly adds linear track to grow transloading capacity. Commissioners asked about coordination with fire officials and NDOT; staff said the applicant has been consulting with the fire marshal and NDOT and that conditions cover those issues.
Commissioner Tammy Edgmon moved to approve the SUP; the motion passed unanimously. The approval is subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, including state fire marshal sign-off and standard NDOT coordination.
What’s next: The applicant will proceed with NDOT and fire marshal approvals and has up to five years under the permit conditions to complete the phase 3 improvements. Staff will monitor minor location changes under director authority as allowed by the approval.
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