“Oh, it’s a done deal” was the frequent refrain of cynical, fatalistic residents of Moapa Valley regarding the massive limestone mine and cement plant proposed to be built in the midst of our small rural community. Their pessimism about the prospects of defeating a billion-dollar corporate behemoth intent on imposing their huge industrial complex on Moapa Valley was justified. After all, Bridgesource had already spent millions on property acquisition, mining rights and studies. They also had support from elected officials and local business leaders. So, why waste time and energy fighting it?

But many Moapa Valley residents fought anyway, and this month, their determined and courageous work bore encouraging fruit. Letters and emails written by concerned residents poured into the offices of county officials. Residents showed up in large numbers at local town board meetings to oppose the proposed cement project and the increasing industrialization of our home place. Thousands of people signed petitions against the mine and cement production facilities.

Then, on Nov. 4, residents nearly cheered when Clark County Planning Commissioners voted unanimously to reject Bridgesource’s applications to change the zoning for the 400-acre cement plant site from Residential to Heavy Industrial. This overwhelming rejection would not have happened if dozens of passionate and articulate residents had not attended and spoken up at the Planning Commission meeting.

But the fight was far from over. Even though the Planning Commission rejected Bridgesource’s applications, the board of county commissioners could still approve the applications at their meeting on Dec. 3. How would the county commissioners vote? Was the fix in? Would enough residents, able and willing to attend another meeting in Las Vegas on a weekday morning, be able to persuade the commissioners to support our community with a reaffirming “no” vote?

Then, two weeks after the Planning Commission meeting, county planning staff revealed a surprising development: Bridgesource intended to withdraw its rezoning applications. A Nov. 17 email from Bridgesource stated:

“Please be advised that Bridgesource, LLC hereby withdraws without prejudice its applications PA-25-700040, PA-25-700041, and ZC-25-0658.”

But what does this retreat by Bridgesource really mean? The project is not dead.

Merrill Squire, project manager for Bridgesource, recently stated, “We plan to reapply sometime next year after we have gathered the information suggested by the Planning Commission that addresses the concerns expressed by the public.”

Though it may be temporary, Moapa Valley residents can celebrate this accomplishment. Those who have fought to “preserve Moapa Valley” deserve congratulations for the success of their determined efforts. The cynical and fatalistic “done deal” assertion has been proven wrong.

The battle for preserving the character of our rural residential community must continue. Though this is a depressing reality, our recent win shows success is possible. The credit for this goes to all of you for caring enough to get involved, write letters and emails, to show up at meetings and take a stand for your community. You deserve recognition and thanks for your brave and active citizenship, especially when life already places so many demands on your time and resources.

Most sincerely, we thank you.

Marc Jensen
Logandale, NV