Panaca Town Board Updates

Members of the Panaca Town Board received a series of updates during their May 11 meeting regarding upcoming road improvements, traffic safety projects, law enforcement concerns and future development opportunities within the town.

Cherry Florence reported that the Regional Transportation Commission has approved widening South Sixth Street and filling reported potholes throughout Panaca. Commissioners Keith Pearson and Mike Reese later expanded on several additional road projects expected to move forward within the next year.

According to Reese, the Nevada Department of Transportation plans to complete slurry seal and striping work from the junction of U.S. Highway 93 to Sixth Street, including repainting all three crosswalks in town. Driver speed feedback signs are also expected to be installed eastbound and westbound along NV 319 near existing 25-mph speed limit signs.

Additional traffic safety improvements are planned near Third and Fourth streets, where rectangular rapid flashing beacons will be installed above each driving lane. The beacon poles are expected to stand approximately 20 feet tall, with mast arms extending across the roadway.

Board members and commissioners also discussed speed limits throughout town. Jennifer Brown asked about adding additional 20 mph signs throughout Panaca and requested 15 mph signs near the streets surrounding the park. Reese explained that funding limitations may require the town to help subsidize some signage costs with assistance from the county road department.

Commissioners stated that nearly $90,000 in RTC-related improvements are expected for Panaca in 2027 and encouraged the town to begin identifying future projects as early as possible.

Road maintenance and county equipment were also discussed extensively during the meeting. Reese explained that much of the county’s road equipment is between 30 and 40 years old and was originally purchased through auctions due to limited funding. Commissioners are currently pursuing grant opportunities related to the 2023 flood disaster that could enable the county to replace equipment at a significantly reduced cost.

Pearson added that efforts are ongoing to bring dirt roads throughout the county up to code.

One of the larger future development updates shared during the meeting involved a proposed sports complex for Panaca. Officials stated the town has received verbal approval for approximately $27 million in grant funding for the project, though formal announcements and final approvals have not yet been completed. Current estimates place the beginning of the project approximately three years out, with additional power infrastructure needing to be installed before construction can begin.

During the sheriff’s office update, Deputy Cheney informed the board that the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office recently added a new K9 unit. Florence also reported recent vandalism at Pioneer Park. Cheney encouraged residents to report all vandalism incidents so damage can be properly documented for insurance purposes.

Additional concerns were raised regarding children riding dirt bikes on sidewalks and operating without lights. The sheriff’s office stated it will continue enforcing helmet, lighting and sidewalk safety regulations.

Other discussion items included ongoing street light repair requests submitted to the power department and possible future changes to reservation systems for the town park. Board members discussed adding a public calendar to the town’s Facebook page to help residents track reservations and events.

Florence also expressed interest in reallocating some funds previously designated for renovation of the town hall toward other community improvement projects. The original renovation project was halted following complications involving the post office.

In additional public comment, Justin Barnett asked whether there had been any updates regarding the renovation of Pioneer Park. Reese stated there were no new developments at this time, though work on the project is continuing.