Rep. Amodei's Northern Nevada lands package advances in House committee

The House Committee on Natural Resources has advanced the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, a significant legislative package spearheaded by Rep. Mark Amodei. The bill aims to enhance local control over public lands in Nevada, a state with a long history of advocating for such autonomy.

“It’s no secret Nevada has a long history of advocating for local control over public lands in the face of federal oversight,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “This commonsense legislation gives Nevada’s leaders and organizations a front seat at the table to determine what is best for their communities.”

Amodei expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the bill's development and acknowledged the need for a comprehensive federal lands policy in Nevada. He also thanked Rep. Susie Lee for her collaboration, particularly in securing the Jean Prison title of the bill.

Chairman Bruce Westerman praised Amodei's efforts, stating, “Unfortunately, the federal government can often become mired by red tape and confusing protocols. Fortunately, Congressman Amodei’s work on the Northern Nevada Development and Conservation Act will combine numerous proposals related to public lands in his district and help streamline processes for proper use of these lands.”

The legislation includes several key provisions:

• Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act: Transfers approximately 67 acres to the State of Nevada for state parks and conveys 7,777 acres to Douglas County for flood management and public purposes.
• Incline Village Fire Protection Act: Conveys 14 acres to the Incline Village General Improvement District for public uses.
• Northern Nevada Flood Protection Management Act: Conveys 534 acres to the Truckee River Flood Management Authority for flood attenuation and riparian restoration.
• Carson City Public Lands Correction Act: Conveys 211 acres of BLM land to Carson City for public purposes and economic development.
• Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act: Establishes the Checkerboard Resolution Area, authorizing the sale or exchange of 356,100 acres of land.
• Elko Nevada Economic Development Act: Transfers 644 acres to the City of Elko for housing development.
• Fernley Economic Development Act: Conveys 12,085 acres of federal land to the City of Fernley for economic development.
• Conveyances to the City of Sparks: Conveys 754 acres for public parks and a cemetery.

The package also includes a technical correction for the Nevada GreenLink ROW and an amendment by Rep. Lee for the transfer of the Jean Prison site to the State of Nevada for economic development.

In total, the legislation involves the conveyance, disposal, or transfer of approximately 39,491 acres to state and local authorities, with an additional 2,669 acres transferred to the Washoe Tribe. The Checkerboard Resolution in Pershing County authorizes the exchange of 356,100 acres, potentially disposing of 178,050 acres.