USA Parkway key in Tesla deal

A key element of the Tesla deal is the state’s commitment to build the USA Parkway connecting Highway 50 near Silver Springs to Interstate 80 east of Reno-Sparks.

The Tahoe Reno Industrial Complex recently completed the interchange on Interstate 80.

TRIC’s Lance Gilman is prepared to sell the needed right-of-way to the state for about $43 million, as part of the deal Gov. Brian Sandoval reaches with Tesla Motors. The $1.25 billion deal goes in front of the state Legislature next Wednesday in a special session.

Project engineer Pedro Rodriguez said the construction will cost an estimated $60-$65 million.

The road will wind 18 miles through the mountains in Storey County, connecting Opal Avenue at Silver Springs to I-80 about 13 miles east of Reno.

Rodriguez said the route is already a paved, four lane roadway for about six miles from I-80 into the hills. Another five miles has been graded but not paved. The plan would require construction of paved roadway on that portion plus the design, engineering and construction of an additional 9-10 miles through the Virginia highlands to connect to Highway 50.

He said the design is about 30 percent complete and NDOT is planning a hearing in early November to finish the environmental study by the end of this year.

Once design is completed, he said it would take about a year and a half to actually build the road.

When completed, the connection would not only greatly improve freight movement from the industrial complex to points south but open a path for workers living in the Dayton corridor to jobs at the Tesla plant and Tahoe Reno Industrial Center.

“It also creates a huge advantage for logistics which will be crucial for distribution,” said Jojo Myers, president of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.