Oldest town in Nevada to get face-lift for tourism

GENOA — Nevada’s oldest town will undergo a $2.2 million face-lift in an effort to boost tourism.

Douglas County commissioners on Thursday approved $1.5 million to bury power lines and improve pedestrian walkways, parking, signs and street lighting in Genoa, the Record-Courier of Gardnerville reported.

At the same time, commissioners approved $625,000 over the next two years to construct a trail from a point east of Genoa to David Walley’s Resort, about two miles south of town.

Both projects are designed to lure tourists to the historic town nestled against the Sierra about 45 miles south of Reno, officials said.

Lisa Granahan, the county’s economic vitality manager, said the Genoa Trail will showcase the area’s natural beauty while improving Genoa’s status as a tourist destination.

“Walley’s is a great partner,” she said. “They’re going to allow parking in their lot, and they’re opening a visitors center in Genoa that will bring 5,000 to 10,000 families to the area.”

Duane Jakob, the resort’s general manager, said visitors have expressed an interest in the trail and other outdoor activities.

“You’re going to see a lot of increased traffic and support from the community,” Jakob said. “It will be fantastic.”

Bill Hay, president of the Carson Valley Trails Association, said the trail will fill a need for winter outdoor recreation. “It’s one of the things modern businesses look to in relocation,” he said.

The town will be responsible for maintaining the trail.

Funds for the projects are coming from the county’s redevelopment agency as part of its economic vitality plan. Commissioners approved the funding while sitting as members of the Redevelopment Agency.

While Genoa reached town status first in Nevada, it competes with nearby Dayton for the distinction of being the state’s first permanent settlement. Both towns trace their beginnings to 1851 when they were stops along the trail for covered-wagon pioneers heading for California.