One Utah official said Wendover belongs in Nevada. "The people of this community need to be together," said Tooele County Commissioner Matthew Lawrence. Lawrence admitted that Tooele County does not have the economic base to improve Wendover.

Nevada legislative staff member Scott Young said the issue of gambling also needs to be addressed. West Wendover's existing casinos are concerned that if Wendover is opened to gambling, new venues there will get first shot at Utahns coming into town. Such concerns led to the defeat of a bill in the U.S. Senate several years ago to annex the two cities, Young said.

Nevada State Sen. Dean Rhoads, subcommittee chairman, said the recommendation to annex will be taken to the Nevada Legislative Committee on Public Lands during next year's session. However, given the long list of unresolved issues, it may not be voted on until at least 2007.

Nevada officials want specifics on how to purchase the airport and school facilities, consolidate police and fire, a resolution to water rights and sewer services, credentialing former Utah-licensed teachers and grandfathering of building codes and other standards.

Rhoads said legislatures in both Utah and Nevada will likely leave it to the respective counties and cities to work things out. Two years ago, the Utah Legislature passed a bill leaving the decision to annex up to Tooele County and Wendover City.

Although Tooele County and Wendover officials say they support annexation, Elko County and West Wendover officials say they will oppose the idea if they have to shoulder the majority of costs.

---

E-mail: gfattah@desnews.com