City to vie for Question 1 money

An array of Carson City park and outdoor projects is being considered for state grants.

Ten members of outdoor-oriented city boards and commissions will gather as a subcommittee Monday to determine what sort of undertakings would prove most likely to receive the money.

"We want to make sure we maximize our ability to obtain these grants," said Juan Guzman, the city's open space manager.

The Conservation and Resource Protection Grant Program, also known as "Question 1," authorizes the state to issue up to $200 million in general-obligation bonds to protect open space, waterways and wildlife habitat, and improve parks, recreational areas, historic and cultural resources.

It also can be used to preserve water quality, according to the Nevada Division of State Lands.

"We look for projects that have the greatest public benefit, and an environmental benefit," said Kevin Hill, coordinator for Question 1 program, which is handled by the state division.

The city originally developed a list of 14 projects after Question 1 was approved by voters in 2002.

Since then, circumstances and priorities have changed. Master plans have been overhauled. Some opportunities to obtain matching funds have been lost and others found, too, Guzman said.

And Question 1 is nearing the end of its life. The program will give out its last money in 2008, Hill said.

Locally and regionally, the Carson River corridor is expected to receive up to $10 million for a variety of projects. Carson will share the money with Douglas, Lyon and Churchill counties for restoration, enhancement and development of river-related recreational uses, including better access to and from the river.

Stream restoration, which consists of rebuilding the river bottom and banks, will help heal damage caused by the New Year's weekend flooding, and is just one example of work the grant covers, Hill said.

The Advisory Board to Manage Wildlife, Carson River Advisory Committee, Open Space Advisory Committee, and Parks and Recreation Commission will be asked to recommend the list of priorities. It will ultimately be subject to approval by the Carson City Board of Supervisors.

Hill also said that Nevada communities forming subcommittees similar to Carson City's have benefited because it helps them prioritize, he said.

Because of Nevada's longtime population growth and the resulting demand for recreational opportunities and environmental endeavors, voters approving this type of grant program "were far ahead of their time," Hill said.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

WHAT:

Question 1 grant program subcommittee meets

WHEN: 11 a.m. Monday

WHERE: Sierra Room, Community Center, 851 E. William St.