For White Pine County to truly thrive, we need a strong economy. As someone who has served as a White Pine County commissioner for three terms, I've always believed this. This includes our region’s legacy of mining and agriculture.

But there are new opportunities arriving in the Great Basin that can help diversify our economy and build off our resources and heritage for a brighter future for us and the next generation. The White Pine Pumped Storage Project is such an opportunity and one that could help and strengthen our community. Suffice to say, I’m 100 percent in favor of this project and I want to show you why. 

We know how essential water is to our community and protecting that resource and ensuring its sustainability in White Pine County is number one. I know some have expressed concern about the use of water, which is a precious asset in the Western United States. It is important to note the water used for this project was already designated for industrial uses such as these. Once the reservoir is filled, the water will be recycled, with only a minimal loss of water from evaporation. This move helps to keep water here in White Pine County — to our community’s tax benefit.  

Our pristine landscapes are also treasured — by locals and tourists alike. And we can build upon what we’ve done in the past, no doubt. The location of the White Pine Pumped Storage Project is in the same vicinity as the Gonder Substation and the old Kennecott Nevada Copper company’s smelter, which had bright lights and industrial smokestacks. This project, once completed, will be dark and quiet by comparison. rPlus Hydro has committed to ensuring that the project won’t disrupt the Nevada Northern Railway’s tourism by using dark sky compliant lighting. 

Expanding business in the current industrial climate would be beneficial for all by creating a more solid tax base. The White Pine Pumped Storage Project will bring a lot of money into our county and the state of Nevada — more than $12 million in tax revenue per year. That’s money for schools, police, fire, hospital and other critical services. This money would make a real difference in our community and help to ensure we have a stable amount of funding for our community — not just for a few years but for decades.

The bonding capacity for the school district will increase, which will allow White Pine County access to opportunities to build new elementary and middle schools. As mentioned in the linked article from The Nevada Independent, “White Pine County is already at its statutory property tax cap of $3.66 for every $100 of assessed value, limiting the district’s bonding capacity. Even so, with a population of about 9,000 … doesn’t have a large enough tax base to raise the amount needed to pay for a new school building.” This boost in revenue would be a major step forward and building block for the next generation of White Pine County.   

In addition, this project is a huge step forward in showing White Pine County is open for business. With new commercial tax revenue, White Pine County can build new schools, infrastructure and services as our community grows. We are lucky to be in a spot that is so ideal for a project such as this. 

There are always concerns about new construction, but along with growth will come excitement for the future of White Pine County. As this project becomes closer to reality, you will continue to be inundated with messages from special interest groups pushing negative agendas. As for me, I will continue to voice positive responses to make this project a reality. Let’s seize this opportunity for positive growth in our community. I hope you’ll join me in supporting this great project.  

Richard Howe has served as a White Pine County commissioner for three terms, including as chairman. He also served on the board of Nevadaworks, a workforce development and support organization focusing on Northern Nevada, and is involved with community organizations and volunteer efforts.

The Nevada Independent welcomes informed, cogent rebuttals to opinion pieces such as this. Send them to [email protected].