The Pershing County Economic Development Authority (PCEDA) met April 20 in Lovelock, with a full board present along with members of the public and participants including Chris Brandon of Western Nevada Development District and Jacklyn Orr of the 95/80 Regional Development Authority and Humboldt County Economic Development joining via Zoom.
New board members recently appointed include Wendy Nelsen, appointed by the County of Lovelock, Jeff King and Brandon Chadock were appointed by the City of Lovelock. Board members who have been serving for some time include Ted Bedure and Connie Gottschalk representing the county, Bonnie Skoglie represents the city, and Frankie Graham represents Coeur Rochester mine.
The meeting covered a range of topics, including grant opportunities, ongoing community projects, and broader questions about the county’s economic development strategy.
One of the main presentations came from the Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance, which outlined several current and upcoming funding opportunities available to rural communities. The presentation emphasized the importance of “grant readiness,” encouraging local entities to have projects defined and partnerships in place before funding opens.
Among the opportunities discussed were federal transportation safety grants, economic development infrastructure funding, and rural health transformation dollars being distributed at the state level. A’Keia Sanders, director at the Governor’s Office of Federal Assistance, highlighted a state matching program designed to help communities meet required grant match funding, though availability is limited and awarded on a first-come basis.
Board Chair Bendure also raised ongoing concerns about broadband infrastructure in Pershing County, noting limited connectivity and challenges tied to previous funding efforts. The issue was identified as a continued priority, with plans to revisit potential funding avenues and partnerships in the coming months.
On the project side, LeeAnn Gallagher, organizer of the “Music and Murals” initiative reported significant progress. Several buildings have already been selected, funding has been secured for initial murals, and artists have been engaged. The project is expected to include live music, an art show featuring local artists, and a community “passport” concept designed to encourage visitors to explore multiple locations around Lovelock.
The board also discussed participation in a Travel Nevada community development program, which could bring additional funding if the county submits a competitive proposal outlining priority projects. In addition, the City of Lovelock recently was announced as successful in the Community Development Block Grant funding in the amount of $500,000 to support sewer plant improvements.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the need for clearer structure and direction in local economic development efforts. Gottschalk explained that with no dedicated economic development director currently in place, the county manager is serving as the central point of contact for business recruitment and project coordination. Bendure emphasized the importance of having a defined strategy, accessible data, and a single point of contact for outside businesses considering locating in the county.
Jacklyn Orr reported that she has moved into the director position at the Humboldt County Economic Development Authority and the 95-80 Regional Development Authority. She encouraged the PCEDA board to reach out to her and discuss available funding for the executive director position in Lovelock.
Discussion also touched on the role of a potential chamber of commerce or similar organization, with Chadock raising the issue of the status of the current chamber. Nelsen explained the history of the chamber and suggested that traditional models may no longer be effective and that any future effort would need a clearly defined purpose and sustainable structure.
Public comments included input from local business owner Lee Ann Gallagher, who urged the board to ensure existing businesses are included in future development efforts, as well as support for reestablishing a dedicated economic development position.
The board agreed to continue discussions on long-range planning, organizational structure, and economic development priorities at future meetings.
The next PCEDA meeting is scheduled for May 11 at 5:30 p.m. in Lovelock.
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