Commission updates Katy Allen Lake Project

MIchelle Workman/Daily Mail The current proposal calls for construction of an eight-foot wide, one mile long pedestrian and biking trail, renovation of the current bridge at the east end of the lake and construction of a second bridge over the mouth of the lake.

Nevada Daily Mail

After months with little progress, the Katy Allen Lake project gained some new attention when Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission representatives met with the Vernon County Commission Tuesday.

Northern commissioner Neal Gerster said residents had begun asking questions concerning the project and wanted an update on its progress.

The project was passed over for grants originally but Kristi Kelley and Katie Yendes of Kaysinger Basin said they continue to seek grants and hope to have good news on funding for the project soon.

The project will improve the area around the lake located next to the fairgrounds, providing public restrooms, additional parking spots, hook-up areas for trailers, walking and bike trails and improved bridges.

"We have a lot of clearing to do yet," Gerster said of the work that still needs to be done before completing the project.

Gerster said they also wanted to give an update to Kaysinger Basin of the plan, which now includes a tractor-pull arena for the annual youth fair fundraiser instead of using the fairground's arena and risking damage.

The fair board and other county departments gave residents permission for the added facility and work has already begun as an area was cleared and clay laid. The group of volunteers also plans to put in bleachers.

They plan to have the track with guardrails and bleachers done by the tractor-pull fundraiser in June, although not all amenities such as potential restrooms, concession stands or lights may be available then.

"Hopefully it'll work without too much expense," Gerster said of the group's new project.

Kelley said they would draw up the new plan with that and other slight changes and continue to look for funding opportunities for the project. She also told the commission that they need to fill two spots on Kaysinger's board or appoint others to do so. The board is scheduled to meet next week.

"We just need to keep the ball rolling," Gerster said of the project, which had stalled of late.

The project's committee will likely meet again once Kaysinger Basin returns with further news of funding.

The commission also approved the use of the Vernon County courtroom for the annual crime victims ceremony to be held April 20, and the housing authority's acceptance of a $216,504 grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.