[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 11, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5375-S5385]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REID (for himself and Mr. Ensign):
  S. 2612. A bill to establish wilderness areas, promote conservation, 
improve public land and provide for high quality development in Clark 
County, Nevada, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I rise with my good friend Senator 
Ensign to introduce a bill that is important to Las Vegas, important to 
Clark County, important to Nevada, and important to America. The Clark 
County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002, 
known as the Clark County Conservation PLAN, provides a solution for 
southern Nevada's growth and conservation challenges.
  The Clark County Conservation PLAN balances the needs for 
infrastructure development, recreational opportunities, and 
conservation of our precious natural resources in southern Nevada.
  Our bill is a broad-based compromise. We do not expect everyone to 
advocate every provision of this bill. Indeed, we know that many people 
will oppose various components of our legislation. The complaints we 
receive will reflect the tendency for people to fear change, protect 
the status quo, and miss the forest for the trees in this case, the 
Joshua trees.

[[Page S5376]]

  Before I discuss each title of the Clark County Conservation PLAN, I 
will take a few moments to describe the profound challenge that public 
land issues pose for Nevada. 87 percent of the land in Nevada, that is 
nearly 9 out of every 10 acres in our State, is owned and managed by 
the Federal Government. This includes land managed by the U.S. Forest 
Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Land Management, the 
Department of Energy, the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife 
Service, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force.
  The Secretaries of Interior, Agriculture, Defense and Energy bear 
tremendous responsibilities for the management, development, and 
conservation of natural resources in Nevada. Unlike most of America 
where land use decisions are made by communities, in Nevada, many land 
use decisions require concurrence of Federal officials and, in some 
cases, the passage of Federal laws. This is a circumstance that very 
few Senators understand from experience, but I know that my colleagues 
can imagine the tremendous challenge inherent in this system regardless 
of the State they represent.
  The challenge of Federal land ownership is not unique to Nevada, in 
fact it characterizes much of the West. However, this situation is 
compounded in Clark County where the fastest growing population in 
America springs from the heart of one of the most extreme and fragile 
regions in North America, the Mojave Desert.
  Many people believe that this scenario embodies an impossible 
challenge. Some believe that guiding growth in Southern Nevada and 
protecting our desert for future generations are mutually exclusive. 
Some believe that protecting our air and water quality and setting 
aside some open space as wilderness are overly costly barriers to 
growth that unnecessarily restrict recreation and development. Some 
believe that the Federal Government's management of public land is too 
strict; others believe it is too lenient. Some believe that every acre 
of Clark County should be privatized. Some believe that not a single 
acre more should be auctioned from the public domain. As different as 
these views are, what they have in common is that they are passionately 
held by Nevadans.
  By describing the fundamental context within which Senator Ensign and 
I are working, I hope I have demonstrated why compromise is not just 
necessary but warranted. We fully expect to be criticized for what this 
bill is not, for example it does not designate all of the 2 million 
acres in Clark County that the Nevada Wilderness Coalition advocates 
nor does it release all the wilderness study areas in Nevada as others 
advocate. We do not need to apologize for this compromise, rather we 
will advocate for what it is, a fair-minded, forward-looking framework 
for the future development and protection of public land in Clark 
County.
  The Clark County Conservation PLAN reflects three complementary 
goals: 1. Enhancing our quality of life; 2. Protecting our environment 
for our children and grandchildren; and 3. Making public land available 
for quality development consistent with these two principles.
  The remainder of my statement today will explain how the Clark County 
Conservation PLAN will improve the quality of life and enhance economic 
opportunities for Nevadans while enriching and protecting the awe-
inspiring natural resources that bless southern Nevada for the benefit 
of future generations of Nevadans and all Americans.
  When Congress passed the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act 
in 1998, we made the decision that it was in the public interest to 
transition away from Federal-private land exchanges and competitively 
auction those parcels of land deemed by the BLM to be disposable. This 
decision has proven to be quite effective and fair and likely 
represents the future of land privatization in Nevada and the West. 
However, at the time the law was enacted, Congress did contemplate that 
a limited number of ongoing land exchanges would be completed. One of 
these exchanges is familiarly known as the Red Rock Canyon Howard 
Hughes exchange. This exchange would be completed by Title I of the 
Clark County Conservation PLAN.
  In the Red Rock Exchange, the Bureau of Land Management will acquire 
roughly 1,070 acres of land owned by the Howard Hughes Corporation. 
This land forms promontories above the gently-sloping bajada in the 
foothills of the La Madre Mountains on the western border of the Red 
Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This acreage affords 
spectacular views of the Las Vegas Valley but development there would 
degrade the Red Rock NCA and diminish the beauty of the view from Las 
Vegas to the west, a view many Las Vegans treasure.
  This bill provides that the lands I have described will become part 
of the Red Rock NCA once acquired by the federal government. In 
exchange for the Red Rock lands, the Howard Hughes Corporation will 
receive acreage of equal value, as determined by a government-certified 
appraiser, within the Las Vegas Valley. Finally, the Howard Hughes 
Corporation will convey some of their acquired acreage to Clark County 
for use as a county park and for inclusion in a regional trail system. 
As I mentioned earlier, this proposal has been around for a number of 
years and enjoys unusually broad support ranging from the County to the 
environmental community. The time when this exchange should have 
reached completion through the administrative process has long since 
passed and a legislative resolution is now in order.

  Nevada has nearly 100 wilderness study areas on Federal land across 
the State. These areas, which are primarily owned by the Bureau of Land 
Management, are managed to protect wilderness character of the lands 
under current law. These areas remain as de facto wilderness until 
Congress passes a bill changing wilderness study status by either 
designating the land as wilderness or releasing the land from 
wilderness study area consideration.
  Although there is broad support for addressing Nevada's wilderness 
study areas through federal legislation, there is no consensus 
regarding how to do so. Those who advocate for wilderness designation 
and those who oppose further additions to the wilderness system hold 
strong and, in many cases, irreconcilable views on this issue.
  Those of us who wrote this bill likewise hold different views 
regarding wilderness. In developing the wilderness component of this 
bill, Senator Ensign, Congressman Gibbons and I made compromises that 
will likely cause heartburn for all interested parties. We believe, 
however, that this is a critical step toward addressing the outstanding 
wilderness study issues in the state of Nevada. Our bill designates 
wilderness and releases wilderness study areas. It creates 20 
wilderness areas: 6 managed by the BLM; 4 jointly managed by the Park 
Service and BLM; 7 managed by the Park Service; and 3 jointly managed 
by the BLM and the Forest Service
  In addition to the wilderness described earlier, our bill releases 
from wilderness study area status acreage associated with each of the 
BLM and forest service areas we address. In fact, we release three BLM 
study areas in their entirety. Two of these areas will eventually 
accommodate growth at the north end of the Las Vegas Valley and help 
provide jobs for decades into the future. These lands might be 
conservatively valued at about $1 billion.
  We have provided for wilderness management protocols that address the 
particular circumstances of southern Nevada. For example, we explicitly 
require the Secretary of the Interior to allow for the construction, 
maintenance and replacement of water catchments known as guzzlers when 
and where that action will enhance wilderness wildlife resources. In 
addition, we believe that the use of motor vehicles should be allowed 
to achieve these purposes when there is no reasonable alternative and 
it does not require the creation of new roads.
  Some wilderness purists argue that these man-made guzzler tanks 
disturb the naturally functioning ecosystems of the Mojave Desert. I 
respect this view, but I believe that these water projects actually 
help restore more natural function to ecosystems that have been forever 
fragmented by development including roads. These projects which are 
privately funded by dedicated sportsmen have a legitimate place in 
southern Nevada wilderness and this bill is clear on that point.

[[Page S5377]]

  In our effort to create a fair wilderness designation, we have 
benefitted from the advice and suggestions of many Nevadans 
representing a range of views. These advocates include the Nevada Land 
Users Coalition, The Sierra Club, The Virgin Valley Sportsmen's 
Association, The Nevada Wilderness Project, The Fraternity of Desert 
Bighorns, the Nevada Mining Association, Red Rock Audubon, and Partners 
in Conservation, to name just a few. We appreciate their help and 
believe that this compromise honors our commitment to listen carefully 
to all parties. We are also grateful for the help we have received from 
the Federal land managers in Clark County and look forward to working 
with them to improve this bill to help make their jobs easier and the 
public experience on public land better.
  Early in the development of this bill we decided not to address 
wilderness issues within the Desert National Wildlife Range. I 
recognize that this is a major disappointment to many in the 
environmental community who view the wilderness resources in the Range 
as some of the best in the Mojave Desert. Wilderness in the Range is, 
however, beyond the scope of this bill.
  The Clark County Conservation PLAN does transfer the management 
responsibility of three wilderness study areas, totaling more than 
49,000 acres, from the Bureau of Land Management to the Fish and 
Wildlife Service. These areas lie between State Highway 93 and the 
Range so this transfer helps rationalize the federal land ownership 
pattern in northern Clark County.
  In addition, this bill transfers a small parcel of land from the 
Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service for use as an 
administrative site on the road between Searchlight and Cottonwood 
Cove. This transfer will save taxpayer dollars by allowing the Park 
Service to consolidate two planned administrative sites into one and 
manage the Lake Mead National Recreation Area more effectively.
  When Congress passed the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act 
of 1998, it established a new paradigm for the sale of public lands in 
Clark County, Nevada. One of the core principles of this new way of 
doing business was that the proceeds from the sale of Federal lands 
should be reinvested in federal, state, and local environmental 
protection and recreational enhancements in the state in which the 
lands are sold.
  The Clark County Conservation PLAN Act modifies the Southern Nevada 
Public Lands Management Act and expands the so-called Las Vegas valley 
disposal boundary. This expansion will make an additional 25,000 acres 
of BLM land available for auction and development years into the 
future. The proceeds from the sale of this Federal land will continue 
to accrue to the Southern Nevada Public Lands Special Account and be 
invested in the purchase of environmentally sensitive land, the 
development of Federal land infrastructure, the implementation of the 
Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, and 
local government open space, recreation and conservation projects. Our 
bill further provides that at least one-quarter of the Special Account 
be dedicated to the last of these purposes.

  One of the most important infrastructure issues facing southern 
Nevada is siting a new international airport. The County's preferred 
and likely site is in a dry lake bed between Jean and Primm, Nevada 
south of the Las Vegas Valley in the Interstate 15 transportation 
corridor near the California border. Congress made federal land at that 
site available for use as an airport, pending environmental reviews.
  The Clark County Conservation PLAN complements that law in two 
important ways. First, our bill conveys federal land adjacent to the 
proposed airport to the Clark County Airport Authority so that it can 
promote compatible development within the area impacted by the noise of 
the airport. Any proceeds derived from sale of these Airport Authority 
lands would be distributed similarly to lands sold within the Las Vegas 
Valley Disposal Boundary.
  Second, our bill directs the Bureau of Land Management to reserve a 
right-of-way for non-exclusive utility and transportation corridors 
between the Las Vegas valley and the proposed airport. This corridor is 
important because for the new airport to remain economical will require 
significant utility development to come from the north. Our bill does 
not dictate exactly where, when, how, or by whom this infrastructure 
will be developed; it simply reserves land explicitly to serve this 
purpose.
  One of the most precious areas in southern Nevada is a relatively 
non-descript canyon near Henderson. It is an area graced with hundreds 
of wonderful and curious petroglyphs. Under ordinary circumstances, I 
would not reveal the location of this site because public knowledge of 
prehistoric rock art sites commonly leads to their destruction. In this 
case, however, this canyon is in desperate need of protection because 
it is within a short walk of the Las Vegas valley. Similar resources 
elsewhere in the desert Southwest have been destroyed by urban growth 
and lack of intensive management.
  The Clark County Conservation PLAN designates the Sloan petroglyphs 
site and the area that comprises most of its watershed as the North 
McCullough Mountains Wilderness. This wilderness combined with about 
32,000 acres of open space comprises the proposed Sloan Canyon National 
Conservation Area. The NCA and wilderness will provide critical 
protection for the Sloan petroglyphs, preserve open space near 
Henderson's rapidly growing neighborhoods and together represent a 
legacy of cultural and natural resource conservation our grandchildren 
will value dearly one day.
  The sheer number of public lands bill requests Senator Ensign and I 
receive is staggering. If we chose to introduce stand-alone legislation 
to address each legitimate issue that constituents bring to our 
attention, we would create an awkward patchwork of new Federal laws. In 
the Clark County Conservation PLAN, we have attempted to provide a 
comprehensive vision and framework for conservation and development in 
southern Nevada by balancing competing interests.
  The final title of our bill includes a select few of the many 
important public interest land conveyances. For example, we include two 
land grants to further the higher education mission of Nevada's 
university system. One provides land to the UNLV research foundation 
for the development of a technology park. The other provides land for 
the planned Henderson State College.
  We convey a small active shooting range to the Las Vegas Metropolitan 
Police Department for training purposes. We grant a modest parcel of 
land to the City of Las Vegas for the development of affordable 
housing. We provide for the conveyance of the Sunrise Landfill from the 
Bureau of Land Management to Clark County pending completion of the 
environmental clean-up at the site. We convey park and open space land 
to the City of Henderson and provide for a cooperatively managed zone 
comprised of federal land around Henderson Executive airport. These are 
relatively small but important actions that help our communities, law 
enforcement, and educational system better serve southern Nevada.
  The Clark County Conservation PLAN Act that Senator Ensign and I 
introduce today promises a better tomorrow for our public lands in 
southern Nevada, for the more than 1.5 million people who call Clark 
County home, and for the millions of Americans who visit southern 
Nevada every year. This constructive compromise provides land for 
development, land grants for public purposes, wilderness for 
conservation in perpetuity, and a new national conservation area to 
celebrate and protect the wonderful natural and cultural resources of 
the North McCullough Mountains including the Sloan petroglyph site.
  Senator Ensign and I have been working on this bill since he came to 
the Senate a year and a half ago. We are proud of the progress we've 
made together and with Congressman Gibbons and believe that this public 
lands bill should serve as a model for bipartisan cooperation and 
constructive compromise. We look forward to working with Chairman 
Bingaman and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to perfect this 
bill so that we can enact the Clark County Conservation PLAN into law 
this year.

[[Page S5378]]

  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 2612

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Clark 
     County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act 
     of 2002''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.

 TITLE I--RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA LAND EXCHANGE AND 
                          BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT

Sec. 101. Short title.
Sec. 102. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 103. Definitions.
Sec. 104. Red Rock Canyon land exchange.
Sec. 105. Status and management of acquired land.
Sec. 106. General provisions.

                       TITLE II--WILDERNESS AREAS

Sec. 201. Findings.
Sec. 202. Additions to National Wilderness Preservation System.
Sec. 203. Administration.
Sec. 204. Adjacent management.
Sec. 205. Overflights.
Sec. 206. Native American cultural and religious uses.
Sec. 207. Release of wilderness study areas.
Sec. 208. Wildlife management.
Sec. 209. Wildfire management.
Sec. 210. Climatological data collection.
Sec. 211. Authorization of appropriations.

          TITLE III--TRANSFERS OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION

Sec. 301. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction to the United States 
              Fish and Wildlife Service.
Sec. 302. Transfer of administrative jurisdiction to the National Park 
              Service.

 TITLE IV--AMENDMENTS TO THE SOUTHERN NEVADA PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT

Sec. 401. Disposal and exchange.

                       TITLE V--IVANPAH CORRIDOR

Sec. 501. Interstate Route 15 south corridor.

           TITLE VI--SLOAN CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Purpose.
Sec. 603. Definitions.
Sec. 604. Establishment.
Sec. 605. Management.
Sec. 606. Sale of Federal parcel.
Sec. 607. Authorization of appropriations.

                 TITLE VII--PUBLIC INTEREST CONVEYANCES

Sec. 701. Definition of map.
Sec. 702. Conveyance to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas Research 
              Foundation.
Sec. 703. Conveyance to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Sec. 704. Conveyance to the city of Henderson for the Nevada State 
              College at Henderson.
Sec. 705. Conveyance to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sec. 706. Henderson Economic Development Zone.
Sec. 707. Conveyance of Sunrise Mountain landfill to Clark County, 
              Nevada.
Sec. 708. Open space land grants.
Sec. 709. Relocation of right-of-way corridor located in Clark and 
              Lincoln Counties in the State of Nevada.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Agreement.--The term ``Agreement'' means the Agreement 
     entitled ``Interim Cooperative Management Agreement Between 
     the United States Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land 
     Management and Clark County'', dated November 4, 1992.
       (2) County.--The term ``County'' means Clark County, 
     Nevada.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means--
       (A) in the case of land in the National Forest System, the 
     Secretary of Agriculture; and
       (B) in the case of land not in the National Forest System, 
     the Secretary of the Interior.
       (4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Nevada.

 TITLE I--RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA LAND EXCHANGE AND 
                          BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT

     SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Red Rock Canyon National 
     Conservation Area Protection and Enhancement Act of 2002''.

     SEC. 102. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a 
     natural resource of major significance to the people of the 
     State and the United States, and must be protected and 
     enhanced for the enjoyment of future generations;
       (2) in 1990, Congress enacted the Southern Red Rock Canyon 
     National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 (16 
     U.S.C. 460ccc et seq.), which provides for the protection and 
     enhancement of the conservation area;
       (3) the Howard Hughes Corporation, which owns much of the 
     private land outside the eastern boundary of the conservation 
     area, is developing a large-scale master-planned community on 
     the land;
       (4) included in the land holdings of the Corporation are 
     1,087 acres of high-ground land adjacent to the eastern edge 
     of the conservation area that were originally intended to be 
     included in the conservation area, but as of the date of 
     enactment of this Act, have not been acquired by the United 
     States;
       (5) the protection of the high-ground land would preserve 
     an important element of the western Las Vegas Valley 
     viewshed; and
       (6) the Corporation is willing to convey title to the high-
     ground land to the United States so that the land can be 
     preserved to protect and expand the boundaries of the 
     conservation area.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are--
       (1) to authorize the United States to exchange Federal land 
     for the non-Federal land of the Corporation referred to in 
     subsection (a)(6);
       (2) to protect and enhance the conservation area;
       (3) to expand the boundaries of the conservation area; and
       (4) to carry out the purposes of--
       (A) the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     Establishment Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 460ccc et seq.); and
       (B) the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 
     (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2343).

     SEC. 103. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Conservation area.--The term ``conservation area'' 
     means the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     established by section 3(a) of the Red Rock Canyon National 
     Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 
     460ccc-1(a)).
       (2) Corporation.--The term ``Corporation'' means the Howard 
     Hughes Corporation, an affiliate of the Rouse Company, which 
     has its principal place of business at 10000 West Charleston 
     Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada.
       (3) Federal parcel.--The term ``Federal parcel'' means the 
     approximately 1000 acres of Federal land in the State 
     proposed to be exchanged for the non-Federal parcel, as 
     depicted on the map.
       (4) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled 
     ``Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act'', dated June 
     10, 2002.
       (5) Non-federal parcel.--The term ``non-Federal parcel'' 
     means the approximately 1,085 acres of non-Federal land in 
     the State owned by the Corporation that is proposed to be 
     exchanged for the Federal parcel, as depicted on the Map.
       (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.

     SEC. 104. RED ROCK CANYON LAND EXCHANGE.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall accept an offer of the 
     Corporation to convey all right, title, and interest in the 
     non-Federal parcel to the United States in exchange for the 
     Federal parcel.
       (b) Conveyance.--Not later than 60 days after the date on 
     which the Corporation makes an offer under subsection (a), 
     the Secretary shall convey--
       (1) a portion of the Federal parcel, depicted on the Map as 
     ``Public land selected for exchange'' to the Corporation; and
       (2) subject to subsection (f), a portion of the Federal 
     parcel, depicted on the Map as ``Proposed BLM transfer for 
     County park'', to the County.
       (c) Valuation.--An appraiser approved by the Secretary 
     shall determine--
       (1) the value and exact acreage of the Federal parcel; and
       (2) the value of the non-Federal parcel.
       (d) Timing.--The exchange of the Federal parcel and the 
     non-Federal parcel under this section shall occur 
     concurrently.
       (e) Map.--
       (1) Revision.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a revised 
     map reflecting the modifications to the boundary of the 
     conservation area under this section.
       (2) Public availability.--A copy of the Map and the revised 
     map shall be on file and available for public inspection in--
       (A) the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management;
       (B) the Office of the State Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management of the State; and
       (C) the Las Vegas District Office of the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (3) Technical corrections.--The Secretary may correct 
     clerical and typographical errors in the Map and the revised 
     map.
       (f) Land Transferred to County.--
       (1) In general.--The portion of the Federal parcel conveyed 
     to the County under subsection (b)(2) shall be used by the 
     County as--
       (A) a public park; or
       (B) part of a public regional trail system.
       (2) Reversion.--The portion of the Federal parcel conveyed 
     to the County shall revert to the United States if the 
     County--
       (A) transfers, or attempts to transfer, the portion of the 
     Federal parcel; or
       (B) uses the portion of the Federal parcel in a manner 
     inconsistent with paragraph (1).

     SEC. 105. STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF ACQUIRED LAND.

       (a) Administration.--The non-Federal parcel acquired by the 
     United States in the land

[[Page S5379]]

     exchange under section 104 shall be added to, and 
     administered by the Secretary as part of, the conservation 
     area in accordance with--
       (1) the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
     Establishment Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 460ccc et seq.);
       (2) the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 
     (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2343); and
       (3) other applicable law.
       (b) Boundary Adjustment.--If any part of the non-Federal 
     parcel acquired under section 104 lies outside the boundary 
     of the conservation area, the Secretary--
       (1) shall adjust the boundary of the conservation area to 
     include that part of the non-Federal parcel; and
       (2) shall prepare a map depicting the boundary adjustment, 
     which shall be on file and available for public inspection in 
     accordance with section 104(e)(2).
       (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 3(a)(2) of the Red Rock 
     Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 
     (16 U.S.C. 460ccc-1(a)(2)) is amended by inserting before the 
     period at the end the following: ``and such additional areas 
     as are included in the conservation area under the Red Rock 
     Canyon National Conservation Area Protection and Enhancement 
     Act of 2002, the exact acreage of which shall be determined 
     by a final appraisal conducted by an appraiser approved by 
     the Secretary''.

     SEC. 106. GENERAL PROVISIONS.

       (a) Valid Existing Rights.--Each conveyance under section 
     104 shall be subject to valid existing rights, leases, 
     rights-of-way, and permits.
       (b) Withdrawal of Affected Land.--Subject to valid existing 
     rights, the Secretary may withdraw the Federal parcel from 
     operation of the public land laws (including mining laws).

                       TITLE II--WILDERNESS AREAS

     SEC. 201. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds that--
       (1) public land in the County contains unique and 
     spectacular natural resources, including--
       (A) priceless habitat for numerous species of plants and 
     wildlife; and
       (B) thousands of acres of pristine land that remain in a 
     natural state; and
       (2) continued preservation of those areas would benefit the 
     County and all of the United States by--
       (A) ensuring the conservation of ecologically diverse 
     habitat;
       (B) conserving primitive recreational resources; and
       (C) protecting air and water quality.

     SEC. 202. ADDITIONS TO NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION 
                   SYSTEM.

       (a) Additions.--The following land in the State is 
     designated as wilderness and as components of the National 
     Wilderness Preservation System:
       (1) Arrow canyon wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed 
     by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 
     27,495 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled 
     ``Arrow Canyon'', dated June 5, 2002, which shall be known as 
     the ``Arrow Canyon Wilderness''.
       (2) Black canyon wilderness.--Certain Federal land within 
     the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and an adjacent 
     portion of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land 
     Management, comprising approximately 17,220 acres, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``El Dorado/Spirit 
     Mountain'', dated June 10, 2002, which shall be known as the 
     ``Black Canyon Wilderness''.
       (3) Black mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land within 
     the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, comprising 
     approximately 14,625 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``Muddy Mountains'', dated June 5, 2002, which shall 
     be known as the ``Black Mountain Wilderness''.
       (4) Bridge canyon wilderness.--Certain Federal land within 
     the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, comprising 
     approximately 7,761 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``El Dorado/Spirit Mountain'', dated June 10, 2002, 
     which shall be known as the ``Bridge Canyon Wilderness''.
       (5) El dorado wilderness.--Certain Federal land within the 
     Lake Mead National Recreation Area and an adjacent portion of 
     Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, 
     comprising approximately 31,950 acres, as generally depicted 
     on the map entitled ``El Dorado/Spirit Mountain'', dated June 
     10, 2002, which shall be known as the ``El Dorado 
     Wilderness''.
       (6) Hamblin mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land 
     within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, comprising 
     approximately 17,047 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``Muddy Mountains'', dated June 5, 2002, which shall 
     be known as the ``Hamblin Mountain Wilderness''.
       (7) Ireteba peaks wilderness.--Certain Federal land within 
     the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and an adjacent 
     portion of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land 
     Management, comprising approximately 31,321 acres, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``El Dorado/Spirit 
     Mountain'', dated June 10, 2002, which shall be known as the 
     ``Ireteba Peaks Wilderness''.
       (8) Jimbilnan wilderness.--Certain Federal land within the 
     Lake Mead National Recreation Area, comprising approximately 
     18,879 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled 
     ``Muddy Mountains'', dated June 5, 2002, which shall be known 
     as the ``Jimbilnan Wilderness''.
       (9) Jumbo springs wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed 
     by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 
     4,631 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Gold 
     Butte'', dated June 5, 2002, which shall be known as the 
     ``Jumbo Springs Wilderness''.
       (10) La madre mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land 
     within the Toiyabe National Forest and an adjacent portion of 
     Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, 
     comprising approximately 46,634 acres, as generally depicted 
     on the map entitled ``Spring Mountains'', dated June 5, 2002, 
     which shall be known as the ``La Madre Mountain Wilderness''.
       (11) Lime canyon wilderness.--Certain Federal land managed 
     by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 
     16,710 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled 
     ``Gold Butte'', dated June 5, 2002, which shall be known as 
     the ``Lime Canyon Wilderness''.
       (12) Mt. charleston wilderness additions.--Certain Federal 
     land within the Toiyabe National Forest and an adjacent 
     portion of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land 
     Management, comprising approximately 13,598 acres, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Spring Mountains'', 
     dated June 5, 2002, which shall be included in the Mt. 
     Charleston Wilderness.
       (13) Muddy mountains wilderness.--Certain Federal land 
     within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and an adjacent 
     portion of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, 
     comprising approximately 48,019 acres, as generally depicted 
     on the map entitled ``Muddy Mountains'', dated June 5, 2002, 
     which shall be known as the ``Muddy Mountains Wilderness''.
       (14) Nellis wash wilderness.--Certain Federal land within 
     the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, comprising 
     approximately 16,423 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``El Dorado/Spirit Mountain'', dated June 10, 2002, 
     which shall be known as the ``Nellis Wash Wilderness''.
       (15) North mccullough wilderness.--Certain Federal land 
     managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising 
     approximately 14,763 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``McCulloughs'', dated June 10, 2002, which shall be 
     known as the ``North McCullough Wilderness''.
       (16) Pine creek wilderness.--Certain Federal land within 
     the Toiyabe National Forest and an adjacent portion of 
     Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, 
     comprising approximately 25,375 acres, as generally depicted 
     on the map entitled ``Spring Mountains'', dated June 5, 2002, 
     which shall be known as the ``Pine Creek Wilderness''.
       (17) Pinto valley wilderness.--Certain Federal land within 
     the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and an adjacent 
     portion of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land 
     Management, comprising approximately 6,912 acres, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``Muddy Mountains'', 
     dated June 5, 2002, which shall be known as the ``Pinto 
     Valley Wilderness''.
       (18) South mccullough wilderness.--Certain Federal land 
     managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising 
     approximately 44,245 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``McCulloughs'', dated June 10, 2002, which shall be 
     known as the ``South McCullough Wilderness''.
       (19) Spirit mountain wilderness.--Certain Federal land 
     within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and an adjacent 
     portion of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land 
     Management, comprising approximately 34,261 acres, as 
     generally depicted on the map entitled ``El Dorado/Spirit 
     Mountain'', dated June 10, 2002, which shall be known as the 
     ``Spirit Mountain Wilderness''.
       (20) Wee thump joshua tree wilderness.--Certain Federal 
     land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising 
     approximately 6,050 acres, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``McCulloughs'', dated June 10, 2002, which shall be 
     known as the ``Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness''.
       (b) Boundary.--The boundary of any portion of a wilderness 
     area designated by subsection (a) that is bordered by Lake 
     Mead, Lake Mohave, or the Colorado River shall be 300 feet 
     inland from the high water line.
       (c) Map and Legal Description.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and 
     legal description of each wilderness area designated by 
     subsection (a) with the Committee on Resources of the House 
     of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural 
     Resources of the Senate.
       (2) Effect.--Each map and legal description shall have the 
     same force and effect as if included in this section, except 
     that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical 
     errors in the map or legal description.
       (3) Availability.--Each map and legal description shall be 
     on file and available for public inspection in (as 
     appropriate)--
       (A) the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management;
       (B) the Office of the State Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management of the State;
       (C) the Las Vegas District Office of the Bureau of Land 
     Management;
       (D) the Office of the Director of the National Park 
     Service; and
       (E) the Office of the Chief of the Forest Service.

     SEC. 203. ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Wilderness Area Administration.--Subject to valid 
     existing rights, including

[[Page S5380]]

     rights to access the area, each area designated as wilderness 
     by this title shall be administered by the Secretary in 
     accordance with the provisions of the Wilderness Act (16 
     U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) governing areas designated by that Act 
     as wilderness, except that any reference in the provisions to 
     the effective date shall be considered to be a reference to 
     the date of enactment of this Act.
       (b) Livestock.--Within the wilderness areas designated 
     under this title, the grazing of livestock in areas in which 
     grazing is allowed on the date of enactment of this Act shall 
     be allowed to continue subject to such reasonable 
     regulations, policies, and practices that--
       (1) the Secretary considers necessary; and
       (2) conform to and implement the intent of Congress 
     regarding grazing in those areas as such intent is expressed 
     in--
       (A) the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.);
       (B) section 101(f) of the Arizona Desert Wilderness Act of 
     1990 (104 Stat. 4473); and
       (C) Appendix A of House Report No. 101-405 of the 101st 
     Congress.
       (c) Incorporation of Acquired Land and Interests.--Any land 
     or interest in land within the boundaries of an area 
     designated as wilderness by this title that is acquired by 
     the United States after the date of enactment of this Act 
     shall be added to and administered as part of the wilderness 
     area within which the acquired land or interest in land is 
     located.
       (d) Air Quality Designation.--Notwithstanding sections 162 
     and 164 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7472, 7474), any 
     wilderness area designated under this title shall retain a 
     Class II air quality designation and may not be redesignated 
     as Class I.

     SEC. 204. ADJACENT MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--Congress does not intend for the 
     designation of wilderness in the State pursuant to this title 
     to lead to the creation of protective perimeters or buffer 
     zones around any such wilderness area.
       (b) Nonwilderness Activities.--The fact that nonwilderness 
     activities or uses can be seen or heard from areas within a 
     wilderness designated under this title shall not preclude the 
     conduct of those activities or uses outside the boundary of 
     the wilderness area.

     SEC. 205. OVERFLIGHTS.

       Nothing in this title restricts or precludes--
       (1) overflights, including low-level overflights, over the 
     areas designated as wilderness by this title, including 
     military overflights that can be seen or heard within the 
     wilderness areas;
       (2) flight testing and evaluation; or
       (3) the designation or creation of new units of special use 
     airspace, or the establishment of military flight training 
     routes, over the wilderness areas.

     SEC. 206. NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS USES.

       In recognition of the past use of portions of the areas 
     designated as wilderness by this title by Native Americans 
     for traditional cultural and religious purposes, the 
     Secretary shall ensure, from time to time, nonexclusive 
     access by Native Americans to the areas for those purposes, 
     including wood gathering for personal use and the collecting 
     of plants or herbs.

     SEC. 207. RELEASE OF WILDERNESS STUDY AREAS.

       (a) Finding.--Congress finds that, for the purposes of 
     sections 202 and 603 of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1782), the public 
     land in the County administered by the Bureau of Land 
     Management and the Forest Service in the following areas have 
     been adequately studied for wilderness designation:
       (1) The Garrett Buttes Wilderness Study Area.
       (2) The Quail Springs Wilderness Study Area.
       (3) The Nellis A,B,C Wilderness Study Area.
       (4) Any portion of the wilderness study areas--
       (A) not designated as wilderness by section 202(a); and
       (B) designated for release on--
       (i) the map entitled ``Muddy Mountains'' and dated June 5, 
     2002;
       (ii) the map entitled ``Spring Mountains'' and dated June 
     5, 2002;
       (iii) the map entitled ``Arrow Canyon'' and dated June 5, 
     2002;
       (iv) the map entitled ``Gold Butte'' and dated June 5, 
     2002;
       (v) the map entitled ``McCullough Mountains'' and dated 
     June 10, 2002;
       (vi) the map entitled ``El Dorado/Spirit Mountain'' and 
     dated June 10, 2002; or
       (vii) the map entitled ``Southern Nevada Public Land 
     Management Act'' and dated June 10, 2002.
       (b) Release.--Except as provided in subsection (c), any 
     public land described in subsection (a) that is not 
     designated as wilderness by this title--
       (1) shall not be subject to section 603(c) of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); 
     and
       (2) shall be managed in accordance with--
       (A) land management plans adopted under section 202 of that 
     Act (43 U.S.C. 1712); and
       (B) the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation 
     Plan, including any amendments to the plan.
       (c) Land Not Released.--The following land is not released 
     from the wilderness study requirements of sections 202 and 
     603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 
     U.S.C. 1712, 1782):
       (1) Meadow Valley Mountains Wilderness Study Area.
       (2) Million Hills Wilderness Study Area.
       (3) Mt. Stirling Wilderness Study Area.
       (4) Mormon Mountains Wilderness Study Area.
       (5) Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area.
       (6) Virgin Mountain Instant Study Area.
       (d) Right-of-Way Grants.--
       (1) Sunrise mountain.--
       (A) In general.--To facilitate energy security and the 
     timely delivery of new energy supplies to the States of 
     Nevada and California and the Southwest, notwithstanding 
     section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 
     of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the Secretary shall issue to the 
     State-regulated sponsor of the Centennial Project a right-of-
     way grant for the construction and maintenance of 2 500-
     kilovolt electrical transmission lines.
       (B) Location.--The transmission lines described in 
     subparagraph (A) shall be constructed within the 1,400-foot-
     wide utility right-of-way corridor in the Sunrise Mountain 
     Instant Study Area in the County.
       (2) Meadow valley mountains wilderness study area.--The 
     Secretary shall issue to the developers of the proposed 
     Meadow Valley generating project a right-of-way grant for the 
     construction and maintenance of electric and water 
     transmission lines in the Meadow Valley Mountains Wilderness 
     Study Area in Clark and Lincoln Counties in the State.

     SEC. 208. WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct such 
     management activities as are necessary to maintain or restore 
     fish and wildlife populations and fish and wildlife habitats 
     in the areas designated as wilderness by this title.
       (b) Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall permit hunting, 
     fishing, and trapping on land and water in wilderness areas 
     designated by this title in accordance with applicable 
     Federal and State laws.
       (2) Limitations.--
       (A) Regulations.--The Secretary may designate by regulation 
     areas in which, and establish periods during which, for 
     reasons of public safety, administration, or compliance with 
     applicable laws, no hunting, fishing, or trapping will be 
     permitted in the wilderness areas designated by this title.
       (B) Consultation.--Except in emergencies, the Secretary 
     shall consult with, and obtain the approval of, the 
     appropriate State agency before promulgating regulations 
     under subparagraph (A) that close a portion of the wilderness 
     areas to hunting, fishing, or trapping.
       (c) Motorized Vehicles.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall authorize the 
     occasional and temporary use of motorized vehicles in the 
     wilderness areas, including the uses described in paragraph 
     (2), if the use of motorized vehicles would--
       (A) as determined by the Secretary, enhance wilderness 
     values by promoting healthy, viable, and more naturally 
     distributed wildlife populations and other natural resources; 
     and
       (B) accomplish the purposes for which the use is authorized 
     while causing the least amount of damage to the wilderness 
     areas, as compared with the alternatives.
       (2) Authorized uses.--The uses referred to in paragraph (1) 
     include--
       (A) the use of motorized vehicles by--
       (i) a State agency responsible for fish and wildlife 
     management; or
       (ii) a designee of such a State agency;
       (B) the use of aircraft to survey, capture, transplant, and 
     monitor wildlife populations;
       (C) when necessary to protect or rehabilitate natural 
     resources in the wilderness areas, access by motorized 
     vehicles for the--
       (i) repair, maintenance, and reconstruction of water 
     developments, including guzzlers, in existence on the date of 
     enactment of this Act; and
       (ii) the installation, repair, maintenance, and 
     reconstruction of new water developments, including guzzlers; 
     and
       (D) the use of motorized equipment, including aircraft, to 
     manage and remove, as appropriate, feral stock, feral horses, 
     and feral burros.
       (d) Wildlife Water Development Projects.--The Secretary 
     shall authorize the construction of structures and facilities 
     for wildlife water development projects, including guzzlers, 
     in the wilderness areas designated by this title if--
       (1) the construction activities will, as determined by the 
     Secretary, enhance wilderness values by promoting healthy, 
     viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife populations; 
     and
       (2) the visual impacts of the construction activities on 
     the wilderness areas can reasonably be minimized.
       (e) Buffer.--A road in the State that is bordered by a 
     wilderness area designated by this title shall include a 
     buffer on each side of the road that is the greater of--
       (1) 100 feet wide; or
       (2) the width of the buffer on the date of enactment of 
     this Act.
       (f) Effect.--Nothing in this title diminishes the 
     jurisdiction of the State with respect to fish and wildlife 
     management, including regulation of hunting and fishing on 
     public land in the State.

[[Page S5381]]

     SEC. 209. WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT.

       Nothing in this title precludes a Federal, State, or local 
     agency from conducting wildfire management operations 
     (including operations using aircraft or mechanized equipment) 
     to manage wildfires in the wilderness areas designated by 
     this title.

     SEC. 210. CLIMATOLOGICAL DATA COLLECTION.

       Subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may 
     prescribe, nothing in this title precludes the installation 
     and maintenance of hydrologic, meteorologic, or 
     climatological collection devices in the wilderness areas 
     designated by this title if the facilities and access to the 
     facilities are essential to flood warning, flood control, and 
     water reservoir operation activities.

     SEC. 211. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
     necessary to carry out this title.

          TITLE III--TRANSFERS OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION

     SEC. 301. TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION TO THE 
                   UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall 
     transfer to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service 
     administrative jurisdiction over the parcel of land described 
     in subsection (b) for inclusion in the Desert National 
     Wildlife Range.
       (b) Description of Land.--The parcel of land referred to in 
     subsection (a) is the approximately 49,817 acres of Bureau of 
     Land Management land, as depicted on the map entitled ``Arrow 
     Canyon'' and dated June 5, 2002.
       (c) Wilderness Release.--
       (1) Finding.--Congress finds that the parcel of land 
     described in subsection (b) has been adequately studied for 
     wilderness designation for the purposes of section 603(c) of 
     the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 
     1782(c)).
       (2) Release.--The parcel of land described in subsection 
     (b)--
       (A) shall not be subject to section 603(c) of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); 
     and
       (B) shall be managed in accordance with--
       (i) land management plans adopted under section 202 of that 
     Act (43 U.S.C. 1712); and
       (ii) the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation 
     Plan.
       (d) Use of Land.--To the extent not prohibited by Federal 
     or State law, the parcel of land described in subsection (b) 
     shall be available for the extraction of mineral resources.

     SEC. 302. TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION TO THE 
                   NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall 
     transfer to the National Park Service administrative 
     jurisdiction over the parcel of land described in subsection 
     (b) for inclusion in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
       (b) Description of Land.--The parcel of land referred to in 
     subsection (a) is the approximately 10 acres of Bureau of 
     Land Management land, as depicted on the map entitled ``El 
     Dorado/Spirit Mountain'' and dated June 10, 2002.
       (c) Use of Land.--The parcel of land described in 
     subsection (b) shall be used by the National Park Service for 
     administrative facilities.

 TITLE IV--AMENDMENTS TO THE SOUTHERN NEVADA PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT

     SEC. 401. DISPOSAL AND EXCHANGE.

       (a) In General.--Section 4 of the Southern Nevada Public 
     Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 
     2344) is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking 
     ``entitled `Las Vegas Valley, Nevada, Land Disposal Map', 
     April 10, 1997'' and inserting ``entitled `Southern Nevada 
     Public Land Management Act', dated June 10, 2002''; and
       (2) in subsection (e)(3)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by inserting ``or regional 
     governmental entity'' after ``local government''; and
       (B) by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(C) Administration.--Of the amounts available to the 
     Secretary from the special account in any fiscal year 
     (determined without taking into account amounts deposited 
     under subsection (g)(4))--
       ``(i) not more than 25 percent of the amounts may be used 
     in any fiscal year for the purposes described in subparagraph 
     (A)(ii); and
       ``(ii) not less than 25 percent of the amounts may be used 
     in any fiscal year for the purposes described in subparagraph 
     (A)(iv).''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) 
     take effect on January 31, 2003.

                       TITLE V--IVANPAH CORRIDOR

     SEC. 501. INTERSTATE ROUTE 15 SOUTH CORRIDOR.

       (a) Management of Interstate Route 15 Corridor Land.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall manage the land 
     located along the Interstate Route 15 corridor south of the 
     Las Vegas Valley to the border between the States of 
     California and Nevada, as generally depicted on the map 
     entitled ``Clark County Conservation of Public Land and 
     Natural Resources Act of 2002'' and dated June 10, 2002, in 
     accordance with the Southern Nevada Public Land Management 
     Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2343) and this 
     section.
       (2) Availability of map.--The map described in paragraph 
     (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in--
       (A) the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management;
       (B) the Office of the State Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management of the State; and
       (C) the Las Vegas District Office of the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (3) Multiple use management.--Subject to any land 
     management designations under the 1998 Las Vegas District 
     Resource Management Plan or the Clark County Multi-Species 
     Conservation Plan, land depicted on the map described in 
     paragraph (1) shall be managed for multiple use purposes.
       (4) Termination of administrative withdrawal.--The 
     administrative withdrawal of the land identified as the 
     ``Interstate 15 South Corridor'' on the map entitled ``Clark 
     County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act 
     of 2002'' and dated June 10, 2002, from mineral entry dated 
     July 23, 1997, and as amended March 9, 1998, is terminated.
       (5) Transportation and utilities corridor.--Notwithstanding 
     sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and 
     Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary, 
     in accordance with this section and other applicable law and 
     subject to valid existing rights, shall establish a 2,640-
     foot wide corridor between the Las Vegas valley and the 
     proposed Ivanpah Airport for the placement, on a nonexclusive 
     basis, of utilities and transportation.
       (b) Ivanpah Airport Environs Overlay District Land 
     Transfer.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and valid 
     existing rights, on request by the County, the Secretary 
     shall transfer to the County, without consideration, all 
     right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the 
     land identified on the map entitled ``Clark County 
     Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 
     2002'' and dated June 10, 2002.
       (2) Conditions for transfer.--As a condition of the 
     transfer under paragraph (1), the County shall agree--
       (A) to manage the transferred land in accordance with 
     section 47504 of title 49, United States Code (including 
     regulations promulgated under that section); and
       (B) that if any portion of the transferred land is sold, 
     leased, or otherwise conveyed or leased by the County--
       (i) the sale, lease, or other conveyance shall be--

       (I) subject to a limitation that requires that any use of 
     the transferred land be consistent with the Agreement and 
     section 47504 of title 49, United States Code (including 
     regulations promulgated under that section); and
       (II) for fair market value; and

       (ii) of any gross proceeds received by the County from the 
     sale, lease, or other conveyance of the land, the County 
     shall--

       (I) contribute 85 percent to the special account 
     established by section 4(e)(1)(C) of the Southern Nevada 
     Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 
     Stat. 2345);
       (II) contribute 5 percent to the State for use in the 
     general education program of the State; and
       (III) reserve 10 percent for use by the Clark County 
     Department of Aviation for airport development and noise 
     compatibility programs.

       (c) Withdrawal of Land.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights, the 
     corridor described in subsection (a)(5) and the land 
     transferred to the County under subsection (b)(1) are 
     withdrawn from location and entry under the mining laws, and 
     from operation under the mineral leasing and geothermal 
     leasing laws, until such time as--
       (A) the Secretary terminates the withdrawal; or
       (B) the corridor or land, respectively, is patented.
       (2) Areas of critical environmental concern.--Subject to 
     valid existing rights, any Federal land in an area of 
     critical environmental concern that is designated for 
     segregation and withdrawal under the 1998 Las Vegas Resource 
     Management Plan is segregated and withdrawn from the 
     operation of the mining laws in accordance with that plan.

           TITLE VI--SLOAN CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA

     SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Sloan Canyon National 
     Conservation Area Act''.

     SEC. 602. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this title is to establish the Sloan Canyon 
     National Conservation Area to conserve, protect, and enhance 
     for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future 
     generations the cultural, archaeological, natural, 
     wilderness, scientific, geological, historical, biological, 
     wildlife, education, and scenic resources of the Conservation 
     Area.

     SEC. 603. DEFINITIONS.

       In this title:
       (1) Conservation area.--The term ``Conservation Area'' 
     means the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area established 
     by section 604(a).
       (2) Federal parcel.--The term ``Federal parcel'' means the 
     parcel of Federal land consisting of approximately 500 acres 
     that is identified as ``Tract A'' on the map entitled 
     ``Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act'' and dated June 
     10, 2002.

[[Page S5382]]

       (3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means 
     the management plan for the Conservation Area developed under 
     section 605(b).
       (4) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map submitted under 
     section 604(c).

     SEC. 604. ESTABLISHMENT.

       (a) In General.--For the purpose described in section 602, 
     there is established in the State a conservation area to be 
     known as the ``Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area''.
       (b) Area Included.--The Conservation Area shall consist of 
     approximately 47,000 acres of public land in the County, as 
     generally depicted on the map.
       (c) Map and Legal Description.--
       (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress 
     a map and legal description of the Conservation Area.
       (2) Effect.--The map and legal description shall have the 
     same force and effect as if included in this section, except 
     that the Secretary may correct minor errors in the map or 
     legal description.
       (3) Public availability.--A copy of the map and legal 
     description shall be on file and available for public 
     inspection in--
       (i) the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management;
       (ii) the Office of the State Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management of the State; and
       (iii) the Las Vegas District Office of the Bureau of Land 
     Management.

     SEC. 605. MANAGEMENT.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director 
     of the Bureau of Land Management, shall manage the 
     Conservation Area--
       (1) in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the 
     resources of the Conservation Area; and
       (2) in accordance with--
       (A) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 
     U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
       (B) other applicable law, including this Act.
       (b) Management Plan.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with 
     the State, the city of Henderson, the County, and any other 
     interested persons, shall develop a comprehensive management 
     plan for the Conservation Area.
       (2) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
       (A) describe the appropriate uses and management of the 
     Conservation Area; and
       (B)(i) authorize the use of motorized vehicles in the 
     Conservation Area--
       (I) for installing, repairing, maintaining, and 
     reconstructing water development projects, including 
     guzzlers, that would enhance the Conservation Area by 
     promoting healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed 
     wildlife populations; and
       (II) subject to any limitations that are not more 
     restrictive than the limitations on such uses authorized in 
     wilderness areas under clauses (i) and (ii) of section 
     208(c)(2)(C); and
       (ii) include or provide recommendations on ways of 
     minimizing the visual impacts of such activities on the 
     Conservation Area.
       (c) Use.--The Secretary may allow any use of the 
     Conservation Area that the Secretary determines will further 
     the purpose described in section 602.
       (d) Motorized Vehicles.--Except as needed for 
     administrative purposes or to respond to an emergency, the 
     use of motorized vehicles in the Conservation Area shall be 
     permitted only on roads and trails designated for the use of 
     motorized vehicles by the management plan developed under 
     subsection (b).
       (e) Withdrawal.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to valid existing rights and the 
     right-of-way issued under subsection (h), all public land in 
     the Conservation Area is withdrawn from--
       (A) all forms of entry and appropriation under the public 
     land laws;
       (B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
       (C) operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, 
     and geothermal leasing laws.
       (2) Additional land.--Notwithstanding any other provision 
     of law, if the Secretary acquires mineral or other interests 
     in a parcel of land within the Conservation Area after the 
     date of enactment of this Act, the parcel is withdrawn from 
     operation of the laws referred to in paragraph (1) on the 
     date of acquisition of the land.
       (f) Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Secretary shall permit hunting, fishing, and trapping in the 
     Conservation Area in accordance with applicable Federal and 
     State laws.
       (2) Limitations.--
       (A) Regulations.--The Secretary may designate by regulation 
     areas in which, and establish periods during which, for 
     reasons of public safety, administration, or compliance with 
     applicable laws, no hunting, fishing, or trapping will be 
     permitted in the Conservation Area.
       (B) Consultation.--Except in emergencies, the Secretary 
     shall consult with, and obtain the approval of, the 
     appropriate State agency before promulgating regulations 
     under subparagraph (A) that close a portion of the 
     Conservation Area to hunting, fishing, or trapping.
       (g) No Buffer Zones.--
       (1) In general.--The establishment of the Conservation Area 
     shall not create an express or implied protective perimeter 
     or buffer zone around the Conservation Area.
       (2) Private land.--If the use of, or conduct of an activity 
     on, private land that shares a boundary with the Conservation 
     Area is consistent with applicable law, nothing in this title 
     concerning the establishment of the Conservation Area shall 
     prohibit or limit the use or conduct of the activity.
       (h) Right-of-Way.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the city 
     of Henderson the public right-of-way requested for rural 
     roadway and public trail purposes under the application 
     numbered N-65874.

     SEC. 606. SALE OF FEDERAL PARCEL.

       (a) In General.--Notwithstanding sections 202 and 203 of 
     the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 
     1712, 1713) and subject to valid existing rights, not later 
     than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the 
     Secretary shall convey to the highest qualified bidder all 
     right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the 
     Federal parcel.
       (b) Disposition of Proceeds.--Of the gross proceeds from 
     the conveyance of land under subsection (a)--
       (1) 5 percent shall be available to the State for use in 
     the general education program of the State;
       (2) 8 percent shall be deposited in the special account 
     established by section 4(e)(1)(C) of the Southern Nevada 
     Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 
     Stat. 2345), to be available without further appropriation 
     for a comprehensive southern Nevada litter cleanup and public 
     awareness campaign; and
       (3) the remainder shall be deposited in the special account 
     described in paragraph (2), to be available to the Secretary, 
     without further appropriation for--
       (A) the construction and operation of facilities at, and 
     other management activities in, the Conservation Area;
       (B) the construction and repair of trails and roads in the 
     Conservation Area authorized under the management plan;
       (C) research on and interpretation of the archaeological 
     and geological resources of Sloan Canyon; and
       (D) any other purpose that the Secretary determines to be 
     consistent with the purpose described in section 602.

     SEC. 607. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are 
     necessary to carry out this title.

                 TITLE VII--PUBLIC INTEREST CONVEYANCES

     SEC. 701. DEFINITION OF MAP.

       In this title, the term ``map'' means the map entitled 
     ``Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act'' and dated June 
     10, 2002.

     SEC. 702. CONVEYANCE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA AT LAS VEGAS 
                   RESEARCH FOUNDATION.

       (a) Findings and Purposes.--
       (1) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (A) the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, needs land in the 
     greater Las Vegas area to provide for the future growth of 
     the university;
       (B) the proposal by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 
     for construction of a research park and technology center in 
     the greater Las Vegas area would enhance the high tech 
     industry and entrepreneurship in the State; and
       (C) the land transferred to the Clark County Department of 
     Aviation under section 4(g) of the Southern Nevada Public 
     Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 
     2346) is the best location for the research park and 
     technology center.
       (2) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
       (A) to provide a suitable location for the construction of 
     a research park and technology center in the greater Las 
     Vegas area;
       (B) to provide the public with opportunities for education 
     and research in the field of high technology; and
       (C) to provide the State with opportunities for competition 
     and economic development in the field of high technology.
       (b) Technology Research Center.--
       (1) Conveyance.--Notwithstanding section 4(g)(4) of the 
     Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public 
     Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2347), the Clark County Department of 
     Aviation may convey, without consideration, all right, title, 
     and interest in and to the parcel of land described in 
     paragraph (2) to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas 
     Research Foundation for the development of a technology 
     research center.
       (2) Description of land.--The parcel of land referred to in 
     paragraph (1) is the parcel of Clark County Department of 
     Aviation land--
       (A) consisting of approximately 115 acres; and
       (B) located in the SW 1/4 of section 33, T. 21 S., R. 60 
     E., Mount Diablo Base and Meridian.

     SEC. 703. CONVEYANCE TO THE LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE 
                   DEPARTMENT.

       The Secretary shall convey to the Las Vegas Metropolitan 
     Police Department, without consideration, all right, title, 
     and interest in and to the parcel of land identified as 
     ``Tract F'' on the map for use as a shooting range.

     SEC. 704. CONVEYANCE TO THE CITY OF HENDERSON FOR THE NEVADA 
                   STATE COLLEGE AT HENDERSON.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Chancellor.--The term ``Chancellor'' means the 
     Chancellor of the University system.

[[Page S5383]]

       (2) City.--The term ``City'' means the city of Henderson, 
     Nevada.
       (3) College.--The term ``College'' means the Nevada State 
     College at Henderson.
       (4) University system.--The term ``University system'' 
     means the University and Community College System of Nevada.
       (b) Conveyance.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding the Federal Land Policy 
     and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and 
     section 1(c) of the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as 
     the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 U.S.C. 
     869(c)), not later than 60 days after the date on which the 
     survey is approved under paragraph (3)(A)(ii), the Secretary 
     shall convey to the City all right, title, and interest of 
     the United States in and to the parcel of Federal land 
     identified as ``Tract H'' on the map for use as a campus for 
     the College.
       (2) Conditions.--
       (A) In general.--As a condition of the conveyance under 
     paragraph (1), the Chancellor and the City shall agree in 
     writing--
       (i) to pay any administrative costs associated with the 
     conveyance, including the costs of any environmental, 
     wildlife, cultural, or historical resources studies;
       (ii) to use the Federal land conveyed for educational and 
     recreational purposes;
       (iii) to release and indemnify the United States from any 
     claims or liabilities which may arise from uses that are 
     carried out on the Federal land on or before the date of 
     enactment of this Act by the United States or any person;
       (iv) to provide to the Secretary, on request, any report, 
     data, or other information relating to the operations of the 
     College that may be necessary, as determined by the 
     Secretary, to determine whether the College is in compliance 
     with this Act;
       (v) as soon as practicable after the date of the conveyance 
     under paragraph (1), to erect at the College an appropriate 
     and centrally located monument that acknowledges the 
     conveyance of the Federal land by the United States for the 
     purpose of furthering the higher education of citizens in the 
     State;
       (vi) to provide information to the students of the College 
     on the role of the United States in the establishment of the 
     College; and
       (vii) to assist the Bureau of Land Management in providing 
     information to the students of the College and the citizens 
     of the State on--

       (I) public land in the State; and
       (II) the role of the Bureau of Land Management in managing, 
     preserving, and protecting the public land.

       (B) Valid existing rights.--The conveyance under paragraph 
     (1) shall be subject to all valid existing rights.
       (3) Use of federal land.--
       (A) In general.--The College and the City may use the land 
     conveyed under paragraph (1) for any purpose relating to the 
     establishment, operation, growth, and maintenance of the 
     College, including the construction, operation, maintenance, 
     renovation, and demolition of--
       (i) classroom facilities;
       (ii) laboratories;
       (iii) performance spaces;
       (iv) student housing;
       (v) administrative facilities;
       (vi) sports and recreational facilities and fields;
       (vii) food service, concession, and related facilities;
       (viii) parks and roads; and
       (ix) water, gas, electricity, phone, Internet, and other 
     utility delivery systems.
       (B) Profitable activities.--The manufacturing, 
     distribution, marketing, and selling of refreshments, books, 
     sundries, College logo merchandise, and related materials on 
     the Federal land for a profit shall be considered to be an 
     educational or recreational use for the purposes of this 
     section, if--
       (i) the profitable activities are reasonably related to the 
     educational or recreational purposes of the College; and
       (ii) any profits are used to further the educational or 
     recreational purposes of the College.
       (C) Other entities.--The College may--
       (i) consistent with Federal and State law, lease or 
     otherwise provide property or space at the College, with or 
     without consideration, to religious, public interest, 
     community, or other groups for services and events that are 
     of interest to the College, the City, or any community 
     located in the Las Vegas Valley;
       (ii) allow the City or any other community in the Las Vegas 
     Valley to use facilities of the College for educational and 
     recreational programs of the City or community; and
       (iii) in conjunction with the City, plan, finance, 
     (including the provision of cost-share assistance), 
     construct, and operate facilities for the City on the Federal 
     land conveyed for educational or recreational purposes 
     consistent with this section.
       (4) Reversion.--
       (A) Notice.--If the Federal land or any portion of the 
     Federal land conveyed under paragraph (1) ceases to be used 
     for the College, the Secretary shall notify the President and 
     the City in writing of the intention of the Secretary to 
     reclaim title to the Federal land or any portion of the 
     Federal land, including any improvements to the Federal land, 
     on behalf of the United States.
       (B) Evidence.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     receipt of a notification under subparagraph (A), the 
     President may submit to the Secretary any evidence that the 
     Federal land, or any portion of the Federal land, is being 
     used in accordance with the purposes of this section.
       (C) Purchase by university system.--
       (i) Offer.--Instead of reclaiming title to the Federal land 
     or any portion of the Federal land under this paragraph, the 
     Secretary may allow the University system to obtain title to 
     the Federal land or any portion of the Federal land in 
     exchange for payment by the University system of an amount 
     equal to the fair market value of the land, excluding the 
     value of any improvements, for any portions of the Federal 
     land not being used for the purposes specified in this 
     section.
       (ii) Auction.--If the University system elects not to 
     purchase the Federal land under clause (i)--

       (I) the Federal land shall revert to the United States; and
       (II) the Secretary shall--

       (aa) dispose of the Federal land at public auction for fair 
     market value; and
       (bb) deposit the proceeds of the disposal in accordance 
     with section 4(e)(1) of the Southern Nevada Public Land 
     Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2343).

     SEC. 705. CONVEYANCE TO THE CITY OF LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) City.--The term ``City'' means the city of Las Vegas, 
     Nevada.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of 
     Land Management.
       (b) Conveyance.--The Secretary shall convey to the City, 
     without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the 
     United States in and to the parcels of land identified as 
     ``Tract C'' and ``Tract D'' on the map.
       (c) Reversion.--If a parcel of land conveyed to the City 
     under subsection (b) ceases to be used for affordable housing 
     or for a purpose related to affordable housing, the parcel 
     shall, if determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, 
     revert to the United States.

     SEC. 706. HENDERSON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ZONE.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) City.--The term ``City'' means the city of Henderson, 
     Nevada.
       (2) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means the 
     parcels of Federal land identified as ``Tract G'' on the map.
       (b) Conveyance.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2) and valid 
     existing rights, on request by the City, the Secretary shall 
     convey to the City, without consideration, all right, title, 
     and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land.
       (2) Conditions.--As a condition of the conveyance of land 
     under paragraph (1), the City shall agree--
       (A) to manage, in consultation with the Clark County 
     Department of Aviation, the land in accordance with section 
     47504 of title 49, United States Code; and
       (B) that if any portion of the Federal land is sold, 
     leased, or otherwise conveyed by the City--
       (i) the sale, lease, or conveyance shall be--

       (I) for the purposes of implementing the economic 
     development goals of the City;
       (II) subject to a requirement that any use of the 
     transferred land be consistent with section 47504 of title 
     49, United States Code; and
       (III) for an amount equal to--

       (aa) at least fair market value; plus
       (bb) as the City determines to be appropriate, any 
     administrative costs of the City relating to the Federal 
     land, including costs--
       (AA) associated with the sale, lease, or conveyance of the 
     Federal land;
       (BB) for planning, engineering, surveying, and subdividing 
     the land; and
       (CC) as the City determines appropriate, for the planning, 
     design, and construction of infrastructure for the economic 
     development zone; and
       (ii) the City shall deposit the proceeds from any sale, 
     lease, or other conveyance of the Federal land, excluding any 
     administrative costs received under item (bb), in accordance 
     with section 4(e)(1) of the Southern Nevada Public Land 
     Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-263; 112 Stat. 2343).
       (3) Availability of map.--The map shall be on file and 
     available for public inspection in--
       (A) the Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management;
       (B) the Office of the State Director of the Bureau of Land 
     Management of the State; and
       (C) the Las Vegas District Office of the Bureau of Land 
     Management.
       (4) Reservation for recreational or public purposes.--
       (A) In general.--The City may elect to use 1 or more 
     parcels of Federal land for recreational or public purposes 
     under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the 
     ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 U.S.C. 869 et 
     seq.).
       (B) Consideration.--If the City makes an election under 
     subparagraph (A), the City shall pay to the Bureau of Land 
     Management an amount determined under that Act.
       (5) Reversion.--A parcel of Federal land shall revert to 
     the United States if--
       (A) a parcel used by the City for local recreational or 
     public purposes under paragraph (4)--
       (i) ceases to be used by the City for such purposes; and
       (ii) is not sold, leased, or conveyed in accordance with 
     paragraph (2)(B); or

[[Page S5384]]

       (B) by the date specified in paragraph (6), the City does 
     not--
       (i) elect to use the parcel for local recreational or 
     public purposes under paragraph (4); or
       (ii) sell, lease, or convey the Federal parcel in 
     accordance with paragraph (2)(B).
       (6) Termination of effectiveness.--The authority provided 
     by this section terminates on the date that is 20 years after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 707. CONVEYANCE OF SUNRISE MOUNTAIN LANDFILL TO CLARK 
                   COUNTY, NEVADA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which a cleanup of the land identified as ``Tract E'' on the 
     map is completed, the Secretary shall convey to the County, 
     without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the 
     United States in and to the land.
       (b) Survey.--
       (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a survey to 
     determine the exact acreage and legal description of the land 
     to be conveyed under subsection (a).
       (2) Cost.--The County shall be responsible for the cost of 
     the survey conducted under paragraph (1).
       (c) Conditions.--
       (1) In general.--As a condition of the conveyance of the 
     land under subsection (a), the County shall enter into a 
     written agreement with the Secretary that provides that--
       (A) the Secretary shall not be liable for any claims 
     arising from the land after the date of conveyance; and
       (B) the County may use the land conveyed for any purpose.
       (2) Valid existing rights.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the conveyance of land under subsection (a) shall be subject 
     to valid existing rights.
       (B) Exception.--On conveyance of the land under subsection 
     (a), the Secretary shall terminate any lease with respect to 
     the land that--
       (i) was issued under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly 
     known as the ``Recreation and Public Purposes Act'') (43 
     U.S.C. 869 et seq.); and
       (ii) is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
       (d) Waiver of Certain Requirements.--The conveyance of land 
     under subsection (a)--
       (1) shall not require the Secretary to update the 1998 Las 
     Vegas Valley Resource Management Plan; and
       (2) shall not be subject to any law (including a 
     regulation) that limits the acreage authorized to be 
     transferred by the Secretary in any transaction or year.

     SEC. 708. OPEN SPACE LAND GRANTS.

       (a) Conveyance.--
       (1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 202 of the Federal 
     Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), the 
     Secretary shall convey to the city of Henderson, Nevada 
     (referred to in this section as the ``City''), subject to 
     valid existing rights, for no consideration, all right, 
     title, and interest of the United States in and to the parcel 
     of land identified as ``Tract B'' on the map entitled 
     ``McCulloughs'' and dated June 10, 2002.
       (2) Costs.--Any costs relating to the conveyance of the 
     parcel of land under paragraph (1), including costs for a 
     survey and other administrative costs, shall be paid by the 
     City.
       (b) Use of Land.--
       (1) In general.--The parcel of land conveyed to the City 
     under subsection (a)(1) shall be used--
       (A) for the conservation of natural resources;
       (B) for public recreation, including hiking, horseback 
     riding, biking, and birdwatching;
       (C) as part of a regional trail system; and
       (D) for flood control facilities.
       (2) Facilities.--Any facility on the parcel of land 
     conveyed under subsection (a)(1) shall be constructed and 
     managed in a manner consistent with the uses specified in 
     paragraph (1).
       (3) Reversion.--If the parcel of land conveyed under 
     subsection (a)(1) is used in a manner that is inconsistent 
     with the uses specified in paragraph (1), the parcel of land 
     shall, if determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, 
     revert to the United States.
       (c) Wilderness Release.--Congress finds that the parcel of 
     land identified in subsection (a)(1)--
       (1) has been adequately studied for wilderness designation 
     for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy 
     and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); and
       (2) shall not be subject to the requirements of that 
     section relating to the management of wilderness study areas.

     SEC. 709. RELOCATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY CORRIDOR LOCATED IN 
                   CLARK AND LINCOLN COUNTIES IN THE STATE OF 
                   NEVADA.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Agreement.--The term ``Agreement'' means the land 
     exchange agreement between Aerojet-General Corporation and 
     the United States, dated July 13, 1988.
       (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (b) Relocation.--The Secretary shall, without 
     consideration, relocate the right-of-way corridor described 
     in subsection (c) to the area described in subsection (d).
       (c) Description of Right-of-Way Corridor.--The right-of-way 
     corridor referred to in subsection (a) consists of the right-
     of-way corridor--
       (1) numbered U-42519;
       (2) referred to in the patent numbered 27-88-0013 and dated 
     July 18, 1988; and
       (3) more particularly described in section 14(a) of the 
     Agreement.
       (d) Description of Area.--The area referred to in 
     subsection (a) consists of an area--
       (1) 1,000 feet wide; and
       (2) located west of and parallel to the centerline of 
     United States Route 93.

  Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, today it is a great privilege and honor 
for me to introduce the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and 
Natural Resources Act of 2002 with my good friend and colleague from 
Nevada, Senator Harry Reid.
  The introduction of this legislation today is the culmination of over 
a year of work. We held public forums in Clark County to solicit the 
input of interested parties. My staff spent many hours with local 
government officials, the environmental community, multiple-use groups, 
utility providers, home developers, sportsmen, and other Nevadans to 
reach a compromise on how we tackle the tough issues we face in Clark 
County. While it is a daunting job to bring Nevadans with opposing 
perspectives together on the controversial topic of wilderness, I 
believe we have achieved a consensus that is good for all citizens in 
Clark County. We will look back 30 years from now and realize how this 
legislation contributed to the quality of life we cherish in southern 
Nevada.
  Because the Federal government manages 87 percent of the land in 
Nevada, the federal presence imposes enormous barriers to land use 
planning in a state that, again, outpaces every other state in 
population growth. I know I speak for many Nevadans when I say that we 
wish we did not have so much federal land within our borders. But the 
reality is that we do, and that this legislation is necessary to plan 
for growth and to set aside our pristine lands for future generations 
to enjoy and visit. In many states, land use planning takes place in 
city council chambers. We do not have that luxury, as we have to obtain 
the consent of the Congress to make some of the most basic decisions. 
Despite those obstacles, Senator Reid and I are putting forward 
legislation that is a model for fast-growing communities struggling to 
balance the equally important goals of environmental protection, 
planned residential and business development, and the allocation of 
scarce resources such as water.
  One of my proudest achievements during my service in the U.S. House 
of Representatives was the enactment of the Southern Nevada Public Land 
Management Act, or what is probably better known in Nevada as the 
Ensign-Bryan bill. Like the legislation Senator Reid and I are 
introducing today, the Ensign-Bryan bill was the product of bipartisan 
cooperation and the spirit of inclusion. Senator Bryan, who deserves 
much credit for that landmark measure, and I hosted a public lands task 
force to identify and propose solutions to the unique problems we faced 
in the Las Vegas Valley. One of the major reforms that came about 
because of the Ensign-Bryan bill was the change in the way public land 
is disposed of in the Las Vegas Valley. We drew a disposal boundary 
around the valley and asked the Bureau of Land Management to auction 
the land to the highest bidder, in consultation with local governments. 
The proceeds of those land auctions millions of dollars have been going 
into a special fund to build parks and trails, acquire environmentally 
sensitive land, initiate capital improvements in our beautiful 
recreation and conservations areas, and maintain the Clark County 
Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. We also allocated funds for 
water infrastructure and to the general education fund of the State of 
Nevada. This legislation continues to encourage orderly growth, 
improves the environment, and benefits the schoolchildren of Nevada.
  Federal land has become so valuable because of the infrastructure 
installed by private developers, local governments, and the taxpayers 
of Nevada. It is because of the phenomenal growth in southern Nevada 
that public land auctions have brought in millions of dollars. Eighty-
five percent of the proceeds from public land auctions in southern 
Nevada are reinvested in environmental projects. So, I would challenge 
those who claim that the federal government is not getting its fair 
share of the proceeds from land sales. In fact,

[[Page S5385]]

the federal government is receiving large sums of money because of the 
value-added infrastructure supported by Nevadans.
  In the Clark County Conservation of Public Lands and Natural 
Resources Act, we build upon the Southern Nevada Public Lands 
Management Act and settle a number of wilderness designations that have 
been pending since 1991. This bill designates 224,000 acres of BLM 
wilderness while it releases 231,000 acres of wilderness study areas. 
In the jurisdiction of the National Park Service adjacent to the 
Colorado River and Lake Mead, 184,000 acres of wilderness are 
designated. In all, 444,000 acres in Clark County will be added to our 
national wilderness preservation system. While the acreage is more than 
supported by a coalition of multiple-use advocates in Nevada, the 
acreage is about one-fifth of the amount requested by the Friends of 
Nevada Wilderness. This compromise is fair.
  I am particularly proud that the bill creates a second National 
Conservation Area in southern Nevada, the Sloan Canyon National 
Conservation Area. Having such a magnificent resource at the edge of 
the City of Henderson will provide countless new recreation 
opportunities for those residents and provide open space that is so 
important to the quality of life in the Las Vegas Valley. I am happy we 
were able to improve the existing Red Rock National Conservation Area 
by adding pristine land to the NCA held by the Howard Hughes 
Corporation.
  An important feature of this legislation I worked to include is the 
creation of a comprehensive Southern Nevada Litter Cleanup Campaign. As 
is the case in many desert communities, there is unfortunately a 
prevalence of discarded trash along our highways and on tracts of 
vacant BLM land within city limits. We must instill an ethic in our 
community and sense of awareness that we cannot continue to treat our 
desert lands as garbage dumps. While I attended college in Oregon, I 
saw how effective the ``Keep Oregon Green'' campaign worked. I am 
certain the same approach can produce results in southern Nevada, and 
that it can be accomplished through the leadership of volunteers, civic 
organizations, environmental groups, and private industry, without the 
bureaucracy. I look forward to leaving to my children a community that 
is much cleaner than the one we have today.
  I worked to include protections in the Clark County Conservation of 
Public Land and Natural Resources so that existing access in wilderness 
is preserved. In addition to reserving motorized access through cherry-
stemmed roads on maps referred to in the bill, we make it clear that 
reasonable access to water developments is permitted in wilderness 
areas. Groups such as the Fraternity of the Big Horn Sheep provide 
critical water to ensure the health of big horn sheep populations in 
southern Nevada. Of course, all valid existing rights are honored 
including grazing and mining. Buffers of at least 100 along each side 
of the road are preserved. We also authorize fire suppression and 
climatological data collection. All in all, reasonable access to 
wilderness has been achieved and I am especially appreciative of 
Senator Reid's flexibility in addressing the concerns of multiple-use 
groups in this regard.

  This legislation ensures Clark County's orderly growth over the next 
several decades through the establishment of educational and research 
institutions, industrial parks, and residential development. The 
original disposal boundary defined in the Ensign-Bryan Act has been 
expanded to accommodate planned growth in Clark County, the City of Las 
Vegas, the City of North Las Vegas, and the City of Henderson. We have 
some of the finest planned communities in the world in southern Nevada 
and I know that the new lands will be showcases for quality living for 
a broad spectrum of Nevadans. The bill sets aside land for the Clark 
County Department of Aviation for the development of the Ivanpah 
Airport south of Las Vegas, the only major international airport in the 
United States that will be constructed from scratch in the next ten 
years. And very importantly, we have opened up an energy corridor that 
will augment Nevada's and the Southwest's electricity needs.
  I also wanted to mention the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat 
Conservation Plan. As the home to many threatened species, Clark County 
has entered into an agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service so 
that the rapid growth we have been experiencing does not destroy 
critical plant and animal habitats. Senator Reid and I have included 
language to ensure that the MSHCP is not revoked when releasing lands 
from wilderness study status. However, the agreement Senator Reid and I 
reached does not mean that lands will be unavailable for multiple-use 
in the future; we wanted to give Clark County and the Fish and Wildlife 
Service the flexibility they need to amend the MSHCP as circumstances 
warrant, particularly as this legislation is implemented.
  Senator Reid and I went through a spirited campaign for the U.S. 
Senate against each other in 1998. It was a very close race and I 
conceded it by 428 votes. Our friendship is now strong, and I believe 
that this bill is a testament to the fact that legislators from 
different political perspectives can come together for the good of 
their state. It is not easy work to bridge philosophical differences, 
but it can and must be done for the sake of the people we represent.
  I would like to thank Congressman Jim Gibbons for his support of this 
measure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Gibbons was 
an active participant in the development of this bill, and he offered 
several constructive and good changes to its content. I appreciate very 
much his guidance and assistance.
  Finally, I would like to thank members of my staff who worked hard on 
the development of this bill here in Washington and in Nevada: John 
Lopez, Margot Allen, Julene Haworth, and Mac Bybee are talented 
Nevadans who care very much about Clark County and our great state. I 
also appreciate the input and assistance of Clint Bentley, the tireless 
organizer of the Nevada Land Users Coalition. Clint was an articulate 
and reasoned advocate of multiple use principles and ensured that the 
Nevada Land Users Coalition spoke with one voice during these 
negotiations.
  I look forward to quick passage of the Clark County Conservation of 
Public Lands and Natural Resources in the 107th Congress.

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