Reid, Heller Introduce Lands Bill to Create Mining Jobs and Designate an Important Wilderness Area in Lyon County

Press Release

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller today jointly introduced the Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2012. The Lyon County lands bill will allow the City of Yerington to work with Nevada Copper to expand its mining operation and create jobs while also providing the City with new infrastructure, job creation, and recreational opportunities. This bi-partisan legislation was a collaborative effort that resulted from countless meetings, discussions, and site visits with and between Lyon County officials and local residents.

"My father was a miner. I've worked in the mines. I know how important mining has always been for the state of Nevada, and for the first time in a long time Yerington is going to benefit from mining," said Senator Reid. "I am very happy to be part of this legislation which will create lots of jobs in Lyon county, which are so desperately needed. This bill also designates the Wovoka wilderness area, a place with special cultural and natural resources that are worthy of a high level of protection so future generations can continue enjoying them. It's a bill that's going to be meet the needs of modern day Nevada."

"Lyon County has the highest unemployment rate in the state and this legislation will bring more than 800 jobs to the area. Mining is a critical component of Nevada's economy and we are fortunate to have resources in our own backyard for economic development. This legislation is the result of the hard work of Lyon County, Yerington, and all the local residents who came together to get the deal done. There is no doubt that this bill will provide some much-needed relief at a time when Nevadans are desperate for jobs," said Senator Dean Heller.

About the Lyon County Conservation and Economic Development Act of 2012

The legislation will allow the City of Yerington to partner with Nevada Copper to develop roughly 12,500 acres of land surrounding the Pumpkin Hollow project site, which is already creating jobs in Nevada. The Pumpkin Hollow project is estimated to create 800 mining jobs and 500 construction jobs. The lands conveyed by this bill will also be used for industrial, recreation, and infrastructure purposes that will create sorely needed jobs and economic development for Yerington.

It will also designate an important wilderness area, known as the Wovoka Wilderness, while protecting the rights and interests of ranchers and miners who earn their living on the land in the area. Wovoka is named in honor of the Native American spiritual leader and father of the Ghostdance who was born and raised in the area.

The proposed Wovoka wilderness area is approximately 48,000 acres and withdraws from mining and development additional land with sensitive cultural resources. Wovoka has invaluable prehistoric cultural and natural resources that are worthy of protection so future generations can continue enjoying them. Wovoka contains landscapes and wildlife habitat that have been enjoyed by hunters, outdoors enthusiasts, and explorers since John C. Fremont camped along the nearby East Walker River in 1844.

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