By Charlene Dean

TONOPAH — Even though Nevada’s unemployment rate is down, there are still local residents seeking job opportunities.

The long-awaited Crescent Dunes project being built by SolarReserve and located outside Tonopah is finally in a position to address the public concerning available positions as the project ramps up this summer.

SolarReserve broke ground on the project in August 2011 and officials said the peak workforce would require about 600 employees.

The company will hold a community-oriented public meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 7, in the Tonopah Convention Center, 301 Brougher Ave., in Tonopah.

Joni Eastley, in her presentation to the Nevada Assembly Government Affairs Committee stated that “although the unemployment rate is nearly 14 percent, predominantly in Pahrump, the unemployment rate in Tonopah is 5 percent.”

There are not as many available workers in Tonopah to fill the open positions.

The informational meeting will address when the hiring process will begin and tell those interested how to submit an acceptable application/resume.

The influx of workers to the area will be seeking accommodations and necessary services such as food. The expected shortage prompted a meeting, held at the Tonopah Courthouse in the commissioners’ chambers Jan. 30 to discuss the situation.

SolarReserve isn’t the only business powering the need for services. Round Mountain Gold is expanding and putting pressure on Hadley, Round Mountain, Carvers and Smoky Valley. Other smaller mining operations are taxing Goldfield.

Tonopah Town Manager James Eason chaired the meeting, sponsored by the Town of Tonopah, Nye County Regional Economic Development Authority and the Town of Pahrump, and said, “The meeting is to seek help from outside entities without hurting local businesses.”

The meeting was attended mostly by business representatives presenting needs versus offering supply to the demand.

Several vendors and local businesses from Pahrump and Henderson participated by videoconference.

SolarReserve will bring the largest wave of workers, but when the project is complete, workers will move on. No one wants to commit to bricks and mortar buildings for temporary services.

Questions regarding the upcoming meeting should be addressed to Kimberly Taylor, 775-482-5833.

Those interested in the possibility of providing temporary services should contact James Eason at 775-482-6336, or Bill Kohbarger at 775-727-5107, extension 305.