Grants eyed for multi-use path along Highway 50 East

Seeking grants for $850,000 to extend a multi-use path from Highway 50 East to East Fifth Street along the freeway bypass was recommended Tuesday by Carson City’s Park and Recreation Commission.

The commission also heard a report on capital projects under way or planned at Fuji Park and Carson City Fairgrounds, along with another on recent public town halls about proposed larger community capital projects.

Commission members voted without dissent to recommended that the Board of Supervisors seek a $200,000 recreational grant through the Nevada Division of State Parks. That grant would require an 80-20 match, or city input of $40,000 if the full amount were awarded.

In that same motion, the commission recommended the Regional Transportation Commission seek $650,000 in federal transportation alternative program grant money, which carries a 5 percent match requirement amounting to $32,500.

“The important issue is connectivity,” said Park Planner Vern Krahn of linking trails by extending the pathway along the east side of the freeway heading south from Highway 50 East.

Krahn also reported on six projects under way and four more anticipated to upgrade Fuji facilities before the Nevada 150 state fair the city plans in late July and early August. He said those projects also would enhance the facility for other events later.

Roger Moellendorf, Parks and Recreation Department director, gave the report on recent town halls held to obtain public input on a proposed one-eighth of a penny hike in city sales tax to do business corridor street-scape improvements, build a multi-purpose athletic center (MAC), and construct an animal shelter. His remarks focused mainly on the Big MAC plan, which requires up to $2.8 million additional to fund that proposal .

Commissioner Charles Adams was in the plan’s corner.

“There’s a big need for gymnasium space,” he said. “This is a thing that would be great for our community.”

The Board of Supervisors on Feb. 20 takes up the expenditure plan on the tax hike and multiple projects. A super majority of four supporters is required for approval by the five-member governing unit.