Clear Creek may be leased to Future Farmers of America

The state's youth camp in Clear Creek Canyon soon may be leased to Future Farmers of America.

State Buildings and Grounds Manager Mike Meizel told lawmakers Friday he is in the final stages of hammering out a long-term no-cost lease with FFA for the camp, which needs hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of improvements.

"They would not pay any money," Meizel told a subcommittee of Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance members.

He said the FFA would instead take responsibility for all liability and maintenance issues and agree to enhance the facility south of Carson City.

Senate Finance Chairman Bill Raggio, R-Reno, questioned how long the proposed lease would be. Meizel said discussions have ranged from 20 to 50 years.

"Unless they make substantial capital improvements, I don't think they should be given a long term," Raggio said.

Meizel agreed, but pointed out FFA also would be relieving the state of $288,000 it must budget to maintain Clear Creek over the next two years.

"They won't be paying rent, but the state won't be paying out," he said.

He said his office and the budget officer are in final negotiations over the proposed contract and that "the negotiations pretty much hinge on the term of the lease."

Clear Creek was deeded to the state of Nevada by the federal government in 1970. Since then, the state has used the 40- to 60-acre site and its buildings for youth groups, storage and other needs. But the state has never put the money into Clear Creek to bring it up to safety, health and access requirements.

When a private lease was suggested two years ago, Meizel said he sent out a request for proposal and only the FFA responded.

He said the complex needs as much as $1.5 million worth of "life safety" work to repair the buildings and grounds.