Police and firemen will share training complex

After wrestling with the issue more than five hours, commissioners late Wednesday voted 4-2 to grant Washoe County a special use permit for construction of the $14.5 million, 128-acre complex off of Dandini Boulevard near Red Peak.

The plan now returns to the Reno City Council.

Residents complained of helicopter noise, the potential for firing-range accidents and lower property values. Homes would flank the centers north and west boundaries.

North Valley homeowners have opposed the project since January, when the Washoe County Commission approved an agreement with Q&D Construction to build the facility.

The complex includes classrooms, an emergency vehicle driving course, live-fire burn building, five-story drill tower and outdoor shooting range.

The complex will be primarily used by Reno and Sparks police and fire departments, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Truckee Meadow Fire Protection District and Truckee Meadows Community College.

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