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Tooele, Wendover officials seek Elko County support for multi-site air races
Summary
Tooele County and Wendover airport representatives asked Elko County to join a task force to host multi-location air races at the Wendover Airport, citing modest startup costs now and potential large visitor spending later; commissioners offered nonbinding support and asked for follow-up details before committing funds.
Tooele County Council member Ty Hoffman and Wendover Airport manager Tanner Moore told the Elko County Board of Commissioners they have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at bringing a new circuit of air races to Wendover.
Hoffman said the group signed an MOU on Oct. 1 and is forming an organizing nonprofit, "Eventco," to manage the events and recruit partners including Elko County and West Wendover. "We're looking at the dates of the 10th through the September 13," Hoffman said, adding the initial gatherings would likely draw "around 5,000" spectators and could grow to about 20,000 in later years.
Moore described airport improvements and land transfers intended to support larger events and explained operational constraints tied to military airspace and planned military participation. He told commissioners the city recently secured a $400,000 commitment from the Utah Department of Transportation for ramp improvements that were in part driven by event interest.
Commissioners asked for clarification about any future financial requests and how much of the projected economic benefit would stay in Nevada. "We understand the room taxes in West Wendover will stay in West Wendover," a commissioner said, and the presenters acknowledged much transient-room revenue would accrue on the Utah side but argued the region would benefit.
The board agreed to provide a county representative for the proposed stakeholder organizing committee and approved nonbinding support for participation on the task force, with no immediate county funding committed. Commissioners asked the presenters to return with more detailed budgets and a timeline for any expected local funding requests.
