Elko County Developing Transloading Facility
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held recently for a new commercial development east of Elko on 1,000 acres of land purchased by Elko County. The county is developing a transloading facility on the site, where materials can be transferred between rail, truck and air carriers. The 2005 Nevada Legislature granted the county $500,000 per year for two years to help the project get off the ground, and the county has committed $2.1 million of its own funds. Union Pacific railroad will also contribute in-kind support by helping develop the rail infrastructure. Charlie Myers, chairman of the Elko County Commission, said the county has received inquiries from several companies interested in the locating at the facility, which the county hopes will complement its industrial parks in Carlin and Wells. Goods expected to be transloaded at the facility include construction supplies such as cement and steel, as well as equipment and materials to support nearby mining operations. County officials plan to eventually develop the site into a customs-served Port of Entry.
Bank of North Las Vegas Opens
The Bank of North Las Vegas recently debuted its new office and services to clients, local businesses and community leaders at a grand opening at the bank’s temporary location at 3000 W. Ann Road. A permanent branch is scheduled to open in early 2006 at the southwest corner of Aliante Parkway and Centennial Parkway. The Bank of North Las Vegas is the first community bank chartered and headquartered in North Las Vegas. Established by local bankers and community leaders, it provides personal and business account packages, special accounts, loan packages and other services. James R. York serves as president and CEO of the bank.
Nevada Mining Outlook Optimistic
The Nevada minerals industry enjoyed a healthy fiscal year in 2004-2005, according to the Nevada Mining Association’s annual report, entitled “Economic Overview of Nevada Mining 2004.” Higher commodity prices for gold, silver and copper stimulated expansion and exploration projects across the northern half of the state in 2004. Average direct employment in the industry rose from 8,783 jobs in 2003 to 11,690 jobs in 2004. Although gold production decreased slightly in 2004, higher prices averaging $410 for the year increased gross proceeds for gold to $2.8 billion. Nevada remains the world’s third largest gold producer behind South Africa and Australia. Nevada also produced $68.7 million worth of silver.
University System to Acquire Research Park
The House of Representatives recently passed legislation to transfer ownership of the Dandini Research Park from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to the University and Community College System of Nevada. For over 30 years, Truckee Meadows Community College and the Desert Research Institute have conducted leading-edge research at the 467-acre site north of downtown Reno The legislation would formally convey the land to the UCCSN Board of Regents, allowing for future growth and expansion. Currently, the land is patented under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, which prevents the Board of Regents from expanding the research park. University officials said federal ownership also made it difficult for private firms to obtain financing for joint projects with the higher education institutions at the research park.
Computer Recycling Center Opens
Computer-Recycler.com, an international computer recycling firm based in Phoenix, has opened a warehouse in Las Vegas in partnership with the Blind Center of Nevada. The organization collects and recycles electronic discards – mostly computers, monitors and printers – from businesses and government agencies. Most of the donated high-tech items are re-sold for use in Third World countries, and unusable components are broken down for their raw materials. The warehouse operation provides employment for some clients of the Blind Center, and a portion of the proceeds from its operations benefits the non-profit organization. Individuals may drop off computers at the Blind Center, 1001 N. Bruce St. in Las Vegas; companies wanting information on free pick-up of old equipment may call (702) 642-6000.