Nevada’s Storey County is the runt of the litter in size, yet the Reno Tahoe Industrial Center (TRIC) houses some of the largest manufacturing outfits this side of the Rockies. And now, it seems, the county wants more than a handshake and a shiny new fire truck when the next big fish swims into its waters.
That’s the spirit behind Senate Bill 69, a proposal to put local governments in the loop when corporate giants come knocking. Storey County lobbyist Will Alder insists it’s high time the county finds recognition for something beyond its “hokey Western” charm.
“Nevada is advanced manufacturing nowadays,” he proclaims as if trying to talk some sense into those still picturing nothing but tumbleweeds and saloons.
The bill’s origins trace back to the Great Tesla Land Rush of 2014 when the state rolled out a billion-dollar welcome mat in tax incentives, property tax modifications, and who-knows-what-else. In return, Storey County received, in Adler’s words, “a fire truck.”
Not exactly a king’s ransom. So, when Tesla returned for another $330 million in tax breaks three years ago, Storey County decided not to be caught napping again.
“We have semi-trucks, they weigh more,” Adler points out, discussing the deep deliberations that ought to happen before a company moves in.
This time, Storey County struck a deal with Tesla to help foot the bill for reinforcing roads—a rare instance of corporate cooperation rather than a government scrambling to play catch-up.
Under Senate Bill 69, a county representative would finally have a proper seat at the table rather than being the cousin nobody remembers until the will gets read. As things stand, counties are given a mere 30-day notice before a major project barges in, kicking up dust and demanding infrastructure.
That, Adler argues, is no way to plan for the future. Of course, not everyone is keen on this newfound county empowerment, and soon, the opposition will have its say before the Senate Committee on Revenue and Economic Development.
Whether this bill passes or gets shuffled into the grand legislative junk drawer remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—Storey County may be small, but it’s learning how to throw its weight around.
The Old Blog in the Desert 
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