Balancing act knocks V&T off its tracks

The loan was authorized to help rebuild the historic railroad between here and Virginia City. If it's withdrawn, V&T Railroad Commission Chairwoman Janice Ayres says efforts to raise private money for the $20 million-plus project will be nearly impossible.

"When you go to big foundations they say, 'If the state doesn't believe in the project and won't put money up why should we?' " Ayres said.

The loan stems from a 1995 bill by Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington. The funds were to be used to reconstruct 17 miles of railroad, and the loan was to be let when the commission raised the rest of the money to complete the project.

Carson City Mayor Ray Masayko, a member of the V&T Railroad Commission, characterized removal of the loan as an accounting move to balance receipts and expenditures for this year.

Masayko added Carson City would react similarly if faced with the same budgetary dilemma.

Ayres isn't as forgiving in discussing Guinn's proposal.

"I literally fell off the couch when he made the announcement on the V&T," she said. "I was really stunned because I talked to the governor early on in his running for office and sent him everything and told him I would keep him updated."

"I understand the incredible energies it must take to run for governor. I realize it's awesome. But I can't understand why he or someone on his staff didn't contact us."

Guinn press secretary Jack Finn said the move was necessary as part of belt-tightening and restructuring. He added it doesn't mean the end of this project.

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