On Tuesday February 3^rd, the Staff of Senator Jacky Rosen and Senator Cortez Masto informed the City that its grant application for nearly $8 million as part of the program funds to construct the proposed West Wendover Community Center was included in the minibus legislation which President Trump signed into law that afternoon.  The funding is part of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) budget for Federal FY26.   

The City applied for the grant funds last April as part of the CDS (congressional direct spending) program. 

The $8 million in funding will be provided by HUD as part of a formal application process which will take place in the coming months.  This grant was considered anchor funding for the community center facility project which ultimately will cost between $16 and $17 million to complete.    The project will be a joint project between the City of West Wendover and the West Wendover Recreation District and include various elements such as:  A new library facility, senior center, community meeting and conference rooms, gymnasiums, a possible indoor track and other components that have long been sought after for the community.  

“This particular grant funding was a linchpin to the project”, said City Manager Chris Melville.  “With it now secured, we can continue the work with our community partners, the public and the various state and federal agencies which have long supported our community and complete a funding package to bring this very important community project finally to life”. 

The continued work according to city officials may take an additional 18 months and once complete, the city will be able to begin design and construction of the project with completion hopefully in 2029. 

Mayor Jasie Holm remarked, “This is a game-changer for West Wendover. This funding is the result of years of work and partnership, and it finally provides us the ability to turn a long-talked-about idea into something real. There is still a lot of work to do, but this is an important start. A community center will give our residents a place to gather, stay active, and access important services all in one spot.”   

Additionally, along with the community center funding the City also received notification from Congressman Mark Amodei’s Staff that the city’s $2 million request for funds to replace a portion of its water transmission pipeline in the Goshute Valley was approved as part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget for FY26.  City officials indicate that the EPA has already notified the City of the pending grant.  Work on this project will likely take place in 2027 once the formal application, environmental clearances and design work are completed.  The pipeline replacement will enhance the long-term capability of the pipeline which supplies the community’s potable water.

Pictured is one of several concept images for the future West Wendover Community Center