DAYTON -- Satisfied drainage problems will be resolved, Lyon County commissioners have approved the volunteer construction of a parking and sidewalk project along River Street in downtown Dayton.
Beginning at the intersection of Highway 50, the long-planned project will run along the north side of Our Park to Douglas Street.
Noting a lack of adequate parking and wanting to improve the appearance of this portion of the historic community, Cindy Howard initiated planning for the project in May 1999. She and a team of volunteers gathered labor and material donations lined up by summer, but delays in completion of a county drainage study postponed action until last week.
On her fifth appearance before the commissioners seeking final approval, Howard expressed elation at receiving the go-ahead for the project.
"I am so pleased to finally be doing something positive in the historic portion of the town," she said. "Our donors are all in the construction business and their busy season is coming up. Due to the delays, it may not progress as quickly as we would like to see. However, we are just happy to have permission to start. I really appreciate the support I received from the commissioners."
As soon as she meets with Public Works Director Chuck Swanson and submits a written plan and a construction schedule, including written commitments from the donors, McQuarry Construction will begin excavation and installation of drainage piping and manholes. Other donors include Western Nevada Supply, Dayton Materials, Goldstein Enterprises, Granite Construction, United Rentals, Sherwin Williams, and a granite plaque to recognize the donors from Leon's Custom Marble.
"I guess I will have to do the actual striping work," Howard cheerfully volunteered. "I really compliment the donors for sticking with us despite the delays."
Swanson supported Howard's efforts, assisting with the engineering aspects of the project, telling the board, "I think this is a good project and we should move on it."
Public Works will remove two dead trees blocking the proposed improvements and ensure all work is done to county standard.
The project is located within the National Landmark District Boundaries and is adjacent to the Comstock Historic District. With the help of State Historic Preservation Officer Ron James, Howard hopes to secure grants to help build historically accurate sidewalks and add gas lamps.
Others lending support included Duana Lompa, Victoria Pradere, Paul and Gail Howard, Mike Hughes and Joey Sbragia.