VALENTINE, Neb. — The State of Nebraska is looking to sell the former state road maintenance yard in Valentine, and local public entities are getting first consideration.

During Tuesday’s Cherry County Board of Commissioners meeting, Todd Wicken with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) said the state is first reaching out to Cherry County, the City of Valentine and the Valentine School Board to gauge interest in purchasing the property.

“We’d rather it not sit vacant, and then get vandalized,” Wicken told commissioners.

Wicken said the City of Valentine has already expressed interest. County commissioners also scheduled a tour of the facility Tuesday to determine whether the county could make use of the building.

“We need to look into what it costs to operate the building for a calendar year,” Commissioner Mike McConaughey said. “It’s a huge building, and there could be a lot of costs.”

If more than one public entity expresses interest, Wicken said the state would move forward with a sealed-bid process. If none do, the property would be opened up for sale to private buyers. Wicken said four private entities have already indicated interest.

Earlier this month, county commissioners discussed the poor condition of the current Road District 1 buildings, which need significant repairs. Commissioners also raised the possibility of using the former state yard to house other county departments, including Emergency Management and law enforcement vehicles.

The board previously agreed to reach out to the City of Valentine to discuss options for a potential interlocal agreement involving the property. No formal action was taken Tuesday.

NDOT opened a new $8 million road maintenance and construction hub in Valentine in 2024.