BLM grants rights-of-way for V&T

Virginia & Truckee Railroad officials were granted the rights-of-ways needed to reconstruct and operate 8.6 miles of the historic V&T along public property managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

Interspersed between private lands from Gold Hill to the Empire area, the land is part of a proposed 17-mile route between Gold Hill and Carson City. The transfer of those rights was completed late last week, said BLM spokesman Mark Struble.

It is one more important step in reconstruction of the historic railroad, an effort that has been going on for more than 10 years. When completed, the annual economic impact for the region is estimated at $16.5 million, V&T officials say.

"I'll be the first in line to buy a ticket," said Struble. "The V&T will be a great boon to visitation locally, and the bureau is happy to do its part."

The 100-foot-wide swath encompassing 104 acres is primarily along the historic route. In exchange for those rights, V&T officials will be expected to perform all operations to ensure protection of the environment and the health and safety of the public.

Any cultural, historical, archaeological resources of American Indians discovered by anyone working on the project must be reported to the bureau.

Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko, of the Nevada Commission for Reconstruction of the Historic V&T Railway, said he wants to take the first part, a 1.1-mile stretch across the Overman Pit just south of Gold Hill, to bid this spring or summer. The project is expected to cost about $4 million.

Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.