THE V&T RAILWAY MOVES FULL STEAM AHEAD

Everyone is invited to join the festivities for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway on April 6th at the Gold Hill Depot. The ceremony begins at 2:00pm as the Virginia and Truckee Railroad brings local and state dignitaries to the Gold Hill depot from Virginia City.

Storey County Commissioner John Flanagan, Chairman of the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway, said “creating jobs and increasing tourism to the region are two of the main goals of this project. The historic value is priceless and the economic impact will be worth over $40 million dollars to Northern Nevada during the construction phase alone.”

“This project has gone from dream to reality,” said Carson City Mayor Marv Teixeira, who is working with Senator Reid to secure additional federal funding for the project. Bob Hadfield, Vice Chairman of the Commission stated that “after the railway is completed, we will have a tourist destination that will bring 140,000 visitors to the Northern Nevada region, benefiting all five counties, with an estimated positive fiscal impact of over $16 million annually.”

Commissioner Ron Allen and Commissioner Janice Ayres, who have both been with this project since the beginning, expressed their deep appreciation to all the dedicated supporters and gave credit to the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau for their commitment and donation of $4,000,000.00. Adding this to the original $2.7 million from the federal ISTEA funds, $1 million from the Nevada Commission on Tourism, $800,000.00 secured by Senator Reid from the EDA, plus the annual ¼ percent sales tax from Storey County, the commission can now complete phase one of the reconstruction project.

We are honored to have Lieutenant Governor Lorraine Hunt join us today in marking this historic event,” said Kevin Ray, Project Coordinator for the Commission. “Her support has been steady and strong and it shows the importance of the V&T Railway to Nevada.”

I was on the Carson City Board of Supervisors then (1993) when the bill passed the Nevada Legislature to form the Tri-County Railway Commission to reconstruct the V&T Railroad.  Carson City was allowed to appoint 2 Supervisors to the Commission and Greg Smith and I were appointed.  I was thrilled to be chosen to be a part of such an undertaking, but never dreamed it would take so long!  Even at that time I could foresee this Railroad as the shining star in Nevada’s Tourism Tiara, and it will be once we complete it – and we will!

- Commissioner Janice Ayres

Lyon County Commissioner Chet Hillyard, Douglas County Commissioner James Baushke, Washoe County Commissioner Bonnie Weber and V&T Railway Commissioner John Farahi, will also join the Lieutenant Governor on the historic ride to the Gold Hill Depot. Champion fiddler, Rand Pollard will entertain the guests on the 20 minute ride from Virginia City.

The Virginia and Truckee Railroad will be running ten trains per day from Virginia City to Gold Hill from May through the end of October. Special events including weddings, school tours and birthday parties can be arranged by calling 775-847-0380. 

For information on the V&T Railway Reconstruction Project, call Kevin Ray, Project Coordinator at 775-687-7410.