Amodei Reintroduces Four Lands Bills for Economic Development in Northern Nevada

Press Release

Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today reintroduced -- for the 113th Congresss -- four lands bills for economic development in Fernley, Fallon, Storey County and Carlin.

"As Nevadans are well aware, moving lands bills through Congress is a process and my office is committed to seeing that process through to the end," said Amodei. "Many of the issues addressed by these bills have been years in the making. These communities deserve solutions to enable them to chart their own growth."

The Fernley Economic Self-Determination Act would give the City of Fernley the opportunity to purchase up to 9,114 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) lands within the city boundaries at fair market value for the purpose of multi-use development.

"Fernley, like much of Northern Nevada, is a complicated checkerboard of public lands controlled by different federal land managers, which can make planning and economic development a difficult proposition," said Amodei. "This bill would enable the local community to determine its own economic future in a way not previously available."

The Naval Air Station Fallon Housing and Safety Development Act would transfer a 400 acre BLM parcel within the confines of the Fallon Naval Air Station to the Secretary of the Navy. This land would be used for 200 new homes for Navy families and would provide needed flexibility to enable the base to grow. In 1991, BLM made this request, but more than 20 years later, the transfer has still not occurred.

"Most importantly, this land will enable the Navy to upgrade base housing without displacing families from their current homes," said Amodei.

The Restoring Storey Act would transfer the surface rights to approximately 1,745 acres of BLM land in Virginia City to Storey County to resolve conflicting ownership and title claims.

"This is a historic problem for Virginia City dating back to the 19th century. Faulty surveys, lost documentation, and maps without bearings make it nearly impossible to sort out claims of ownership," said Amodei. "The property in question has been occupied for decades by families who believe they own it when legally they're considered trespassers on BLM land."

The bill would instruct the Secretary of the Interior to convey to Storey County, by quitclaim deed, all surface rights to the BLM land 60 days after the date of the enactment of the legislation. All costs associated with the conveyance under this section shall be the responsibility of BLM.

The Carlin Economic Self-Determination Act would give the City of Carlin the opportunity to purchase BLM lands surrounding the city at fair market value for the purpose of multi-use development.

"Carlin's situation is the sort of problem we would like to have more of in Nevada. Thanks to the high-paying jobs created by the mining industry, Carlin needs room for growth, particularly housing," said Amodei. "This bill would enable the local community to determine its own economic future by purchasing parcels, as needed, for smart, sustainable development."

Source