NEWS

Gerlach/Empire Nevada get assistance in Securing Economic Stimulus Money
(posted April 1, 2009)

With Billions of dollars floating around for construction projects, the Burning Man Project has teamed up with the cities of Gerlach & Empire Nevada to stake their claim in the massive highway funds being distributed by the US Government. Support is mounting in the area for a 4 lane Toll Road Bypass for travelers heading North of NV440. During the three week festival season each August these towns are inundated with so called 'Burners'.
"They appear friendly enough on the outside", says a long-time Gerlach resident. "But they will piss in your yard if you do not keep an eye on them." Sentiments like this from other area home owners has this legislation on the fast-track.

Currently NV440 winds its way thru the streets of both Gerlach & Empire, the proposal is to construct a bypass that will spare the locals from any Burner intrusions. All vehicles will be required to pay a $20 fee to get to the entrance of the Black Rock Desert. Approx. $.69 of each toll collected will be distributed amongst the locals to compensate for the predicted 34% drop in local sales tax collections. Alternate plans being considered allow for
the creation of a Business Loop Frontage Road so local establishments like Bruno's and the Empire General store can remain in business.