Elko County Commissioners OK letter of support for Nevada Gold Mines rail proposal

Elko County commissioners voted to direct county staff to provide a letter supporting Nevada Gold Mines’ (NGM) request to enter the Surface Transportation Board’s environmental review process for the Nevada Gold Rail Project. Tamara Baker, permitting manager for Nevada Gold Mines, told the board the proposal would build about 55 miles of new rail, replace roughly 80 daily 40‑ton truck trips with a single loaded train, reduce carbon emissions and give the company flexibility to process ore where capacity and cost are best.

Baker said the Surface Transportation Board (STB) would lead a NEPA review, likely in the form of an environmental impact statement, and the Bureau of Land Management would serve as a cooperating agency. ‘‘We’re here today to ask for a letter of support to go through the process with the Surface Transportation Board,’’ Baker said. Commissioners asked whether the line would be available for public use; Baker confirmed NGM proposes the track operate as a common carrier, permitting public benefit uses subject to permitting and agreements with Union Pacific.

Commissioners pressed on cost estimates and alternatives. Presenters estimated rail construction at about $500,000,000; one commissioner contrasted that with a previously built roaster whose cost was given in the discussion as about $1,000,000,000. Board members also requested staff track potential local sales‑tax implications and right‑of‑way opportunities; the chair noted county staff would share a tip from the Carlin city manager about 25 acres available with railroad frontage. Commissioner (speaker 2) moved to direct staff to prepare the letter of support; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.