(The following story by Tim Anderson appeared on the Reno Gazette-Journal website on December 28.)
RENO, Nevada — Railway proponents are convinced the $40 million Virginia & Truckee Railroad project will result in an economic bonanza.
Serving as a tourist attraction, the rebuilt line is expected to bring $16 million in annual economic benefits to the region, officials say.
The V&T’s economic power is being touted as Nevada political leaders and community officials from a five-county region are scheduled to gather Tuesday in Carson City to celebrate completion of the first phase of the railroad.
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., is guest of honor at the Nevada State Railroad Museum ceremony.
Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway members credit Reid with playing a pivotal role in obtaining $10 million in federal commitments to help rebuild the historic rail line along its original 17.5-mile route.
“We’re as far along with the project as we are because of Sen. Reid’s support,” said commissioner Janice Ayres, who’s also president of the Northern Nevada Railway Foundation.
Plans call for the rebuilt line to connect with an existing 2.5-mile stretch linking Virginia City with Gold Hill.
The final phase of the seven-part rebuilding project is tentatively scheduled for completion in December 2009. The project is being financed with federal funds, grants and local taxes.
After a dozen years of preliminary work, the initial phase of reconstruction — completed last September — involved crossing the Overman Pit and laying two miles of track between Gold Hill and American Flat. Federal transportation funds paid for the $6.7 million first phase.