BLM extends comment period on Carson facility

The Bureau of Land Management, Carson City District-Sierra Front Field Office, has extended to July 15 its public comment period on an Environmental Assessment to construct a new interagency fire station on eight acres of public land at the base of Prison Hill, just east of the intersection of South Edmonds Drive and Koontz Lane.

The complex would include office and support buildings for BLM wildland fire engines and seasonal housing for BLM and Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest-Carson Ranger District fire fighting personnel. This includes enough cooking, shower and bunk facilities to meet the needs of up to 20 federal firefighters.

Carson City supervisors passed a resolution opposing the complex last month. Residents and supervisors say the complex would limit access to open space and doesn't belong near a neighborhood of about 300 homes.

Rep. Dean Heller backs city officials' opposition to the proposed fire station complex on the city's south side, according to the congressman's spokesman.

The purpose of the proposed fire facility is to enhance federal firefighting capacity locally, regionally and nationally. Wildland firefighting is seasonal and temporary by nature. Most employees are hired in the spring and terminated in the fall.

It is difficult to recruit employees to work for five months, a typical fire season, from outside the commuting area without being able to provide affordable seasonal housing. Having this facility available would aid in the recruitment and retention of highly qualified firefighters, proponents say.

Federal, state and local agencies and other organizations or individuals who may be interested in, or affected by, a BLM decision to issue the right-of-way grants for the proposed project are encouraged to provide written comments on the issues and concerns that are addressed in the Environmental Assessment.

The public comment period is open through the close of business on July 15.

Comments may be sent by mail, e-mail or fax to: BLM Carson City District, Attn: Linda Kelly, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701. Phone: 775-885-6120, Fax: 775-885-6106. E-mail: linda_kelly@blm.gov.