[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 136 (Friday, October 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11373]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SOUTHERN NEVADA PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1998

  The bill (H.R. 449) to provide for the orderly disposal of certain 
Federal lands in Clark County, Nevada, and to provide for the 
acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands in the State of Nevada, 
was considered, ordered to a third reading, read the third time, and 
passed.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, Clark County has seen phenomenal growth over 
the past ten years, and is the fastest growing county in the nation. 
This influx of new residents has put great pressure on the 
infrastructure of the region, and also the recreational assets. While 
no one thing can solve all the problems associated with the burgeoning 
growth rate that has occurred, we can take steps to control and manage 
it. The Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act has a long history 
and can trace its genesis back to Congressman Jim Santini, author of 
the Santini-Burton Act. Former Congressman Jim Bilbray continued this 
initiative with the public lands task force, a process which Senator 
Bryan and I continued. It is from these efforts that the bill before us 
has evolved, with the input of Congressmen Gibbons and Ensign.
  This bill takes important steps by providing for the orderly disposal 
of public lands in southern Nevada, providing for the acquisition of 
environmentally sensitive lands in the state, and providing a mechanism 
for local governments to offset the costs associated with development 
of disposed federal lands. The distribution of the proceeds from 
federal land sales will give the federal government 85% for the 
acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands in Nevada. The State 
will use its 5% share for general education programs, while the 
remaining 10% will benefit the Las Vegas Valley water treatment 
programs, water infrastructure development, parks, and trails.
  Mr. President, as we approach the 21st century, we have to be 
cognizant of our future generations and the legacy that we will leave 
them. Any growth that occurs in a community must have coordinated 
planning and this measure will greatly assist with this process by 
providing for local government involvement. It allows state, county and 
city governments to manage the costs associated with the development of 
these lands by adding to the state education fund, as well as assisting 
with the future development of the southern Nevada water system and 
airport infrastructure. It will also assist us in protecting and 
preserving wild and scenic places for future generations, which are of 
value not just to the residents of Clark County, but to all taxpayers.
  This bill has the bipartisan support of the Nevada Congressional 
delegation, enjoys broad-based support in Clark County, and support 
throughout the State. It means a great deal to me personally and I 
believe it will be of enormous benefit to the State of Nevada.

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