Commissioners Corner: Telecom tower appeal, major grant opportunities and Pioche trail project

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners discussed several infrastructure and development projects during its May 4 meeting. Items included an appeal involving a proposed telecommunications tower near Panaca, a major federal disaster grant opportunity and continued work tied to the Slaughterhouse Canyon shared-use trail project in Pioche. 

One of the most heavily discussed agenda items involved the continuation of an appeal hearing regarding a special use permit for a proposed 185-foot telecommunications tower along the U.S. 93 corridor north of the junction with State Route 319 near Panaca.

The special use permit had previously been approved by the Lincoln County Planning Commission on March 12. However, commissioners heard new information during the appeal process that had not been presented during the original planning commission hearing.

Part of the new discussion centered around an alternative location and a possible land swap proposal involving Shane Mathews. Because the new information had not been presented to the planning commission, commissioners are sending the matter back to the planning commission for further review during a June 11 meeting.

One of the primary concerns discussed involved infrastructure costs tied to the alternate location. Fiber infrastructure is already installed for the current proposed tower location near the entrance to Panaca, while moving the tower to a second proposed site would require additional fiber installation costs. Commissioners noted that delays in construction and communications improvements along the corridor will continue until a final decision is made.

Commissioners also approved moving forward with applications for Economic Development Administration disaster supplemental grant funding. County officials explained that the county qualifies for the grant due to damages caused by the 2023 flooding. The funding opportunity would allow Lincoln County to purchase equipment at a significantly reduced local match, estimated at roughly 20 cents on the dollar.

If awarded, the grant funding could support a wide range of county departments and emergency response agencies. Proposed purchases discussed during the meeting included a new fire truck and emergency supplies for Lincoln County Fire, a new ambulance and a water tender for the Pahranagat Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Officials noted the water tender would help reduce delays during fire response by preventing crews from needing to leave fire scenes to refill trucks at town hydrants.

The Lincoln County Road Department is also seeking motor graders, a front loader and equipment trailers through the grant program. County officials said newer equipment would improve the county’s ability to respond to flood damage, road repairs and emergency situations while also reducing ongoing maintenance costs associated with aging equipment.

Commissioners noted the grant opportunity is the first of its kind pursued by Lincoln County. During the county’s May 12 budget meeting, approximately $1 million was tentatively set aside from the Lincoln County Land Act Fund to help provide the county’s required grant match if the application is approved.

Commissioners additionally approved a $59,620 contract change order with Resource Concepts, Inc. for additional archaeological field work associated with the Slaughterhouse Canyon shared-use path and open space land conveyance project near Pioche.

The planned trail project would improve an already existing pathway beginning near Slaughterhouse Canyon and extending past the historic mine area overlooking Pioche before connecting into town. County officials described the project as a scenic recreational trail intended to improve outdoor access and tourism opportunities in the area.