Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV) representing Nevada’s newly minted 4th Congressional District has introduced his first piece of legislation today Feb. 14, H.R. 696; a bill to promote economic development and wilderness protection in Yerington, Nevada.
The legislation, modeled after a bill introduced by Representative Mark Amodei (NV-2) in the 112th Congress, will allow the City of Yerington to partner with Nevada Copper to develop roughly 12,500 acres of land surrounding the Pumpkin Hollow project site, which is already creating jobs in Nevada. The Pumpkin Hollow project is estimated to create 800 mining jobs and 500 construction jobs. The land conveyed by this bill will also be used for industrial, recreation, and infrastructure purposes that will create desperately needed jobs and economic development for Yerington.
“This jobs bill is the kind of commonsense bipartisan legislation that will get Nevadans back to work immediately,” said Horsford. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the Lyon County Economic Development and Conservation Act as soon as possible and help the people of Yerington grow their economy and create desperately needed jobs. Congressman Amodei and I will work together to pass this bill and bring work to thousands of Nevadans in Lyon County.”
The bill will also designate an important wilderness area, known as the Wovoka Wilderness, while protecting the rights and interests of ranchers and miners who earn their living on the land in the area. Wovoka is named in honor of the Native American spiritual leader and father of the Ghost Dance who was born and raised in the area.
The proposed Wovoka Wilderness is approximately 48,000 acres and withdraws from mining and development additional land with sensitive cultural resources. Wovoka has invaluable prehistoric cultural and natural resources that are worthy of protection so future generations can enjoy them. Wovoka contains landscapes and wildlife habitat that have been enjoyed by hunters, outdoors enthusiasts, and explorers since John C. Fremont camped along the nearby East Walker River in 1844.
Representatives Joe Heck (NV-3) and Amodei are the original co-sponsors of this legislation.
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