SUBMITTED BY DENNIS STARK
A bill going through Congress is of particular importance to Lyon County. The “Yerington Land Conveyance and Sustainable Development Act” was introduced to the U.S. Senate by Sen. Dean Heller in recent months. Congressman Mark Amodei, along with co-sponsors Congresswoman Shelley Berkely and Congressman Joe Heck, introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives the “Yerington Bill” a month prior to it being introduced to the Senate.
Both steps are critical to getting the bill passed. The legislation makes possible the sale of federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management to the city of Yerington. It underlies that the transfer would mandate fair market “sale” value of 18-20 square miles to the city.
It is critical to note the support received so far for this land transfer. In a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources last week, Heller maintained that bill to approve the land transfer will have a positive impact on Lyon County.
“Nevada, with 87 percent of our land base controlled by the federal government, has the lowest percentage of private land of any state,” he said. “We also lead the nation in unemployment. Our high unemployment coupled with limited ability to expand and grow puts Nevada at a disadvantage to every other state in the country.”
The bill will allow Yerington to purchase land for the purposes of mining, renewable energy development and recreation opportunities. It would be a substantial economic impact for the county, and the deal has garnered local, state and federal support — both from the private sector and also various governmental entities.
At stake are hundreds of potential construction jobs to develop the property and jobs to maintain the development. The piece of land surrounds the Nevada Copper mine, which locals have supported. Nevada Copper potentially could employ 400 to 500 workers, which would contribute greatly to the local economy.
Additional development would enhance property values and bolster tax bases while ensuring a continuation of services to Lyon County citizens. Lyon County still has a 15.1 percent unemployment rate, as well as a major foreclosure issue.
This bill, while not an all-encompassing solution to Nevada’s fiscal situation, would be a major improvement to Yerington and Lyon County at large. Support for this bill is needed now.
Heller added that “swift passage of this legislation will put Nevadans back to work and increase funding for schools, law enforcement and other municipal function.” I encourage residents of Lyon County – and all Nevadans — to help move this legislation by openly supporting Senator Heller and Representative Amodei in their efforts to get this bill passed in a timely manner.
Dennis Stark is a consultant and former county manager of Lyon County. He may be reached atdenniswstark.info. He serves on the State of Nevada Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board.
