March 25, 2025
Mr. Amodei of Nevada introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To provide for transfer of ownership of certain Federal lands in northern Nevada, to authorize the disposal of certain Federal lands in northern Nevada for economic development, to promote conservation in northern Nevada, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title; table of contents
(a) Short title
This Act may be cited as the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2025
.
(b) Table of contents
The table of contents of this Act is as follows:
Title I DOUGLAS COUNTY
Sec. 101. Purpose
The purpose of this title is to promote conservation, improve public land, and provide for sensible development in Douglas County, Nevada, and for other purposes.
Sec. 102. Definitions
In this title:
(1) County
The term County means Douglas County, Nevada.
(2) Map
The term Map means the map entitled Douglas County Economic Development and Conservation Act
and dated November 12, 2024.
(3) Public land
The term public land has the meaning given the term public lands in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702).
(4) Secretary concerned
The term Secretary concerned means—
(A)
with respect to National Forest System land, the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Chief of the Forest Service); and
(B)
with respect to land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, including land held for the benefit of the Tribe, the Secretary of the Interior.
(5) State
The term State means the State of Nevada.
(6) Tribe
The term Tribe means the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California.
(7) Wilderness
The term Wilderness means the Burbank Canyons Wilderness designated by section 141(a).
Subtitle A Land Conveyances and Sales
Sec. 111. Conveyance to State of Nevada
(a) Conveyance
Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary concerned shall convey to the State without consideration all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 67 acres of Forest Service land generally depicted as Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park
on the Map.
(c) Costs
As a condition for the conveyance under subsection (a), all costs associated with such conveyances, including, but not limited to costs of surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration, and administrative costs including closing fees, shall be paid by the State.
(d) Use of land
(1) In general
Any land conveyed to the State under subsection (a) shall be used only for—
(A)
the conservation of wildlife or natural resources; or
(B)
a public park.
(2) Facilities
Any facility on the land conveyed under subsection (a) shall be constructed and managed in a manner consistent with the uses described in paragraph (1).
(e) Environmental response and restoration
For purposes of the conveyance under subsection (1), the Secretary of Agriculture—
(1)
shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h));
(2)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants;
(3)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate the presence of solid and hazardous waste and materials which may be required by applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations; and
(4)
shall not otherwise be required to remove any improvements from the land conveyed.
(f) Easements
As a condition of conveyance of the land conveyed under subsection (a), access easements for roads and trails shall be reserved in the deed at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.
(g) Survey
The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Minor errors
The Secretary in consultation with the State of Nevada may make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a) and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal description.
(i) Reversion
If any portion of the land conveyed under subsection (a) is used in a manner that is inconsistent with the uses described in subsection (d), the land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary concerned, revert to the United States.
(j) Additional terms and conditions
With respect to the conveyance under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture may require such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
Sec. 112. Tahoe Rim Trail
(a) In general
The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the County and other interested parties, shall develop and implement a cooperative management agreement for the land described in subsection (b)—
(1)
to improve the quality of recreation access by providing additional amenities as agreed on by the Secretary of Agriculture and the County; and
(2)
to conserve natural resources.
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) consists of the approximately 13 acres of land generally depicted as Tahoe Rim Trail North Parcel
on the Map.
Sec. 113. Conveyance to Douglas County, Nevada
(a) Definition of Federal land
In this section, the term Federal land means the approximately 7,777 acres of Federal land located in the County that is identified as Douglas County Land Conveyances
on the Map.
(b) Authorization of conveyance
Subject to valid existing rights and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), upon receipt of a request from the County for the conveyance of the Federal land, the Secretary concerned shall convey to the County, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized under subsection (b), including, but not limited to costs of surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration, and administrative costs including closing shall be paid by the County.
(d) Use of Federal land
(1) In general
The Federal land conveyed under subsection (b)—
(A)
may be used by the County for flood control, recreation, or any other public purpose consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act
) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.); and
(B)
shall not be disposed of by the County.
(2) Reversion
If the Federal land conveyed under subsection (b) is used in a manner inconsistent with paragraph (1), the Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary concerned, revert to the United States.
(e) Environmental response and restoration
For purposes of the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture—
(1)
shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h));
(2)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants;
(3)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate the presence of solid and hazardous waste and materials which may be required by applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations; and
(4)
shall not otherwise be required to remove any improvements from the land conveyed.
(f) Easements
As a condition of conveyance of the land conveyed under subsection (b), access easements for roads and trails shall be reserved in the deed at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.
(g) Survey
The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Minor errors
The Secretary in consultation with the Douglas County may, make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (b) and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal description.
(i) Acquisition of Federal Lands
(1) Request
The County may submit to the Secretary concerned a request to acquire the land conveyed under this section as long as the uses are consistent with subsection (d)(1).
(2) Appraisal
(A) In general
Upon receipt of a request under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall complete an appraisal of the Federal land requested by the County.
(B) Requirement
The appraisal under subparagraph (A) shall be completed in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) and—
(i)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
(ii)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(3) Conveyance required
(A) In general
If, by the date that is 1 year after the date of completion of the appraisal under paragraph (2), the County submits to the Secretary concerned an offer to acquire the land without a reversionary interest requested under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned, shall convey to the County that land with consideration.
(B) Consideration
As consideration for the land conveyed under subparagraph (A), the County shall pay to the Secretary concerned an amount equal to the appraised value of the land, as determined under paragraph (2).
(C) Costs of conveyance
Any costs relating to the conveyance under subparagraph (A), including any costs for surveys and other administrative costs, shall be paid by the County.
(4) Disposition of proceeds
Any amounts collected under this subsection shall be disposed of in accordance with section 114(n) of this title.
(j) Revocation of orders
Any public land order that withdraws any of the land described in subsection (a) from appropriation or disposal under a public land law shall be revoked to the extent necessary to permit disposal of that land.
Sec. 114. Sale of certain Federal land
(a) In general
Notwithstanding sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary concerned shall, in accordance with the other provisions of that Act and any other applicable law, and subject to valid existing rights, conduct one or more sales of the Federal land including mineral rights described in subsection (b) to qualified bidders.
(b) Description of land
The Federal land referred to in subsection (a) consists of—
(1)
the approximately 31.5 acres of public land generally depicted as Lands for Disposal
on the Map; and
(2)
not more than 10,000 acres of land in the County that—
(A)
is not segregated or withdrawn on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, unless the land is withdrawn in accordance with subsection (g); and
(B)
is identified for disposal by the Secretary concerned through—
(i)
the Carson City Consolidated Resource Management Plan; or
(ii)
any subsequent amendment to the management plan that is undertaken with full public involvement.
(c) Joint selection required
The Secretary concerned and the unit of local government in whose jurisdiction lands referred to in subsection (b)(2) are located shall jointly select which parcels of the Federal land described in subsection (b)(2) to offer for sale under subsection (a).
(d) Compliance with local planning and zoning laws
Before carrying out a sale of Federal land under subsection (a), the County shall submit to the Secretary concerned a certification that qualified bidders have agreed to comply with—
(1)
County zoning ordinances; and
(2)
any master plan for the area approved by the County.
(e) Survey
The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary concerned.
(f) Minor errors
The Secretary in consultation with the County may, make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (b) and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal description.
(g) Easements
As a condition of conveyance of the land conveyed under subsection (b), access easements for roads and trails shall be reserved in the deed at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Environmental response and restoration
For purposes of the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned—
(1)
shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h));
(2)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants;
(3)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate the presence of solid and hazardous waste and materials which may be required by applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations; and
(4)
shall not otherwise be required to remove any improvements from the land conveyed.
(i) Additional terms and conditions
With respect to the conveyance under this section, the Secretary of Agriculture may require such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
(j) Method of sale
The sale of Federal land under subsection (a) shall be—
(1)
sold through a competitive bidding process, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary concerned; and
(2)
for not less than fair market value.
(k) Recreation and public purposes act conveyances
(1) In general
Not later than 30 days before any land described in subsection (b) is offered for sale under subsection (a), the State or County may elect to obtain the land eligible for disposal in subsection (b) for public purposes in accordance with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act
) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
(2) Retention
Pursuant to an election made under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Interior shall retain the elected land for conveyance to the State or County in accordance with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act
) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
(3) Reversion
If the Federal land conveyed to the State or County under paragraph (1) is used in a manner inconsistent with the Act of June 14, 1926, the Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary of the Interior, revert to the United States.
(l) Withdrawal
(1) In general
Subject to valid existing rights and except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal land described in subsection (b) is withdrawn from—
(A)
all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
(B)
location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C)
disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
(2) Termination
The withdrawal under paragraph (1) shall be terminated—
(A)
on the date of sale or conveyance of title to the land including mineral rights described in subsection (b) pursuant to this title; or
(B)
with respect to any land described in subsection (b) that is not sold or exchanged, not later than 2 years after the date on which the land was offered for sale under this title.
(3) Exception
Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply to a sale made consistent with this section or an election by the County or the State to obtain the land described in subsection (b) for 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.).
(m) Deadline for sale
(1) In general
Except as provided in paragraph (2), not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, if there is a qualified bidder(s) for the land described in subsection (b), the Secretary concerned shall offer the land for sale to the highest qualified bidder.
(2) Postponement; exclusion from sale
At the request of the County, the Secretary concerned may temporarily postpone or exclude from the sale under paragraph (1) all or a portion of the land described in subsection (b).
(n) Disposition of proceeds
Of the proceeds from the sale under this section—
(1)
5 percent shall be disbursed to the State for use by the State for general education programs of the State;
(2)
10 percent shall be disbursed to the County for use by the County for general budgeting purposes; and
(3)
85 percent shall be deposited in a special account in the Treasury of the United States, to be known as the Douglas County Special Account
, which shall be available to the Secretary concerned without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitations—
(A)
to reimburse costs incurred by the Secretary concerned in preparing for the sale of the land described in subsection (b), including, but not limited to costs of surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration, and administrative costs including closing fees—
(i)
the costs of surveys and appraisals; and
(ii)
the costs of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713);
(B)
to reimburse costs incurred by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service in preparing for and carrying out the transfers of land to be held in trust by the United States under title II; and
(C)
to acquire environmentally sensitive land or an interest in environmentally sensitive land in the County—
(i)
pursuant to the Douglas County Open Space and Agricultural Lands Preservation Implementation Plan, or any subsequent amendment to the plan that is undertaken with full public involvement; and
(ii)
for flood control purposes.
(o) Revocation of orders
Any public land order that withdraws any of the land described in subsection (b) from appropriation or disposal under a public land law shall be revoked to the extent necessary to permit disposal of that land.
Sec. 115. Open space recreation area
(a) Authorization of conveyance
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of Agriculture receives a request from the County, the Secretary shall convey to the County, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land to be used for recreation purposes.
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) consists of approximately 1,084 acres of land as depicted as Open Space Recreation Area
on the Map.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized under subsection (b), including, but not limited to costs of surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration, and administrative costs including closing shall be paid by the County.
(d) Use of Federal land
The Federal land conveyed under subsection (a) shall not be disposed of by the County.
(e) Survey
The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary concerned.
(f) Minor errors
The Secretary in consultation with the County may, make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (b) and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal description.
(g) Easements
As a condition of conveyance of the land conveyed under subsection (b), access easements for roads and trails shall be reserved in the deed at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Additional terms and conditions
With respect to the conveyance under this section, the Secretary of Agriculture may require such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
(i) Environmental response and restoration
For purposes of the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned—
(1)
shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h));
(2)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants;
(3)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate the presence of solid and hazardous waste and materials which may be required by applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations; and
(4)
shall not otherwise be required to remove any improvements from the land conveyed.
(j) Reversion
If the Federal land conveyed under subsection (a) is used in a manner inconsistent with this section, the Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary concerned, revert to the United States.
Subtitle B Tribal Cultural Resources
Sec. 121. Transfer of land to be held in trust for Tribe
(a) In general
Subject to valid existing rights, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in subsection (b)—
(1)
is transferred to the Department of the Interior;
(2)
shall be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tribe; and
(3)
shall be part of the reservation of the Tribe.
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) consists of—
(1)
approximately 2,669 acres of Federal land generally depicted as Washoe Tribe Conveyances
on the Map; and
(2)
any land administered on the date of the enactment of this Act by the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service and generally depicted as Section 5 lands
.
(c) Limited authority To transfer Forest Service Land
The Secretary of Agriculture shall have the authority to administratively transfer Forest Service lands described in subsection (b) to the Department of the Interior to be held in trust for the benefit of the Tribe.
(d) Survey
As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall complete a cadastral survey and accompanying legal description to establish the boundaries of the land taken into trust under subsection (a).
(e) Federal Register Publication
On the completion of the surveys under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior shall publish in the Federal Register a legal description of the lands taken into trust and made a part of the reservation under this section.
(f) Use of trust land
(1) Gaming
Land taken into trust under this section shall not be eligible, or considered to have been taken into trust, for class II gaming or class III gaming (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2703)).
(2) Thinning; landscape restoration
(A) In general
The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation and coordination with the Tribe, may carry out any fuel reduction and other landscape restoration activities on the land taken into trust under subsection (a), including restoration of threatened and endangered species habitat, that are beneficial to the Tribe and the Bureau of Land Management.
(B) Conservation benefits
Activities carried out under subparagraph (A) include activities that provide conservation benefits to a species—
(i)
that is not listed as endangered or threatened under section 4(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)); but
(ii)
is—
(I)
listed by a State as a threatened or endangered species;
(II)
a species of concern or special status species; or
(III)
a candidate for a listing as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(g) Water rights
Nothing in this section affects the allocation, ownership, interest, or control, as in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act, of any water, water right, or any other valid existing right held by the United States, an Indian Tribe, a State, or a person.
Subtitle C Convey Forest Service Land for Public Purposes
Sec. 131. Authority of Forest Service to convey to State or county for public purposes
(a) In general
Consistent with section 3(b) of Public Law 96–586 (commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act
; 94 Stat. 3381), and subject to valid existing rights, on receipt of a request by the State or County and subject to such terms and conditions as are satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary may convey the Forest Service land or interests in Forest Service land described in subsection (b) to the State or County, without consideration, to protect the environmental quality and public recreational use of the conveyed Forest Service land and manage consistent with Public Law 96–586 (commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act
94 Stat. 3381).
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) is any Forest Service land that is located within the boundaries of the area acquired under Public Law 96–586 (commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act
; 94 Stat. 3381) that is—
(1)
unsuitable for Forest Service administration; and
(2)
necessary for a public purpose.
(c) Use of land
A parcel of land conveyed pursuant to subsection (a) shall—
(1)
be managed by the State or County, as applicable—
(A)
to maintain undeveloped open space and to preserve the natural characteristics of the transferred land in perpetuity; and
(B)
to protect and enhance water quality, stream environment zones, and important wildlife habitat; and
(2)
be used by the State or County, as applicable, for recreation or other public purposes including trails, trailheads, fuel reduction, flood control, and other infrastructure consistent with Public Law 96–586 (commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act
; 94 Stat. 3381).
(d) Reversion
If a parcel of land transferred under subsection (a) is used in a manner that is inconsistent with subsection (c) or Public Law 96–586, the parcel of land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture, revert to the United States.
Sec. 132. Special use authorizations for recreation and other purposes
(a) Issuance of special use authorizations
To the extent practicable, not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary of Agriculture receives a proposal and an application from the County or unit of local government for the use of the Federal land covered by subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture, in accordance with all applicable law shall—
(1)
process the County’s or other unit of local government’s proposal and application for a special use permit for recreation or other purposes; and
(2)
if the proposal is accepted and the application is granted, authorize a permit consistent with applicable law longer for the use of those lands.
(b) Description of land
Subsection (a) applies to approximately 188 acres of Federal land located in the County that is identified as Directed Special Use Permit
on the Map.
(c) Terms and conditions
With respect to any special use authorization issued under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture may require such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States and to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency directives.
Subtitle D Resolution of Burbank Canyons Wilderness Study Area
Sec. 141. Addition to national wilderness preservation system
(a) Designation
In furtherance of the purposes of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the approximately 12,392 acres of Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, as generally depicted on the Map as Burbank Canyons Wilderness
is designated as wilderness and as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as the Burbank Canyons Wilderness
.
(b) Boundary
The boundary of any portion of the Wilderness that is bordered by a road shall be at least 100 feet from the centerline of the road to allow public access.
(c) Map and legal description
(1) In general
As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall prepare a map and legal description of the Wilderness.
(2) Effect
The map and legal description prepared under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this subtitle, except that the Secretary concerned may correct any minor error in the map or legal description.
(3) Availability
A copy of the map and legal description prepared under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
(d) Withdrawal
Subject to valid existing rights, the Wilderness is withdrawn from—
(1)
all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
(2)
location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(3)
disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
Sec. 142. Administration
(a) Management
Subject to valid existing rights, the Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary concerned in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that—
(1)
any reference in that Act to the effective date shall be considered to be a reference to the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2)
any reference in that Act to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Livestock
The grazing of livestock in the Wilderness, if established before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be allowed to continue, subject to such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary concerned considers to be necessary in accordance with—
(1)
section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)); and
(2)
the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101–405).
(c) Incorporation of acquired land and interests
Any land or interest in land within the boundaries of the Wilderness that is acquired by the United States after the date of the enactment of this Act shall be added to and administered as part of the Wilderness.
(d) Adjacent management
(1) In general
Congress does not intend for the designation of the Wilderness to create a protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Wilderness.
(2) Nonwilderness activities
The fact that nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from areas within the Wilderness shall not preclude the conduct of the activities or uses outside the boundary of the Wilderness.
(e) Military overflights
Nothing in this subtitle restricts or precludes—
(1)
low-level overflights of military aircraft over the Wilderness, including military overflights that can be seen or heard within the wilderness area;
(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.
(f) Existing airstrips
Nothing in this subtitle restricts or precludes low-level overflights by aircraft utilizing airstrips in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act that are located within 5 miles of the proposed boundary of the Wilderness.
(g) Wildfire, insect, and disease management
In accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)), the Secretary concerned may take any measures in the Wilderness that the Secretary concerned determines to be necessary for the control of fire, insects, and diseases, including, as the Secretary concerned determines to be appropriate, the coordination of the activities with the State or a local agency.
(h) Data collection
In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, the Secretary concerned may authorize the installation and maintenance of hydrologic, meteorologic, or climatological collection devices in the Wilderness if the Secretary concerned determines that the facilities and access to the facilities are essential to flood warning, flood control, or water reservoir operation activities.
(i) Water rights
(1) Findings
Congress finds that—
(A)
the Wilderness is located—
(i)
in the semiarid region of the Great Basin; and
(ii)
at the headwaters for the streams and rivers on land with respect to which there are few, if any—
(I)
actual or proposed water resource facilities located upstream; and
(II)
opportunities for diversion, storage, or other uses of water occurring outside the land that would adversely affect the wilderness values of the land;
(B)
the Wilderness is generally not suitable for use or development of new water resource facilities; and
(C)
because of the unique nature of the Wilderness, it is possible to provide for proper management and protection of the wilderness and other values of land by means different from the means used in other laws.
(2) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to protect the wilderness values of the Wilderness by means other than a federally reserved water right.
(3) Statutory construction
Nothing in this subtitle—
(A)
constitutes an express or implied reservation by the United States of any water or water rights with respect to the Wilderness;
(B)
affects any water rights in the State (including any water rights held by the United States) in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act;
(C)
establishes a precedent with regard to any future wilderness designations;
(D)
affects the interpretation of, or any designation made under, any other Act; or
(E)
limits, alters, modifies, or amends any interstate compact or equitable apportionment decree that apportions water among and between the State and other States.
(4) Nevada water law
The Secretary concerned shall follow the procedural and substantive requirements of State law in order to obtain and hold any water rights not in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to the Wilderness.
(5) New projects
(A) Definition of water resource facility
(i) In general
In this paragraph, the term water resource facility means irrigation and pumping facilities, reservoirs, water conservation works, aqueducts, canals, ditches, pipelines, wells, hydropower projects, transmission and other ancillary facilities, and other water diversion, storage, and carriage structures.
(ii) Exclusion
In this paragraph, the term water resource facility does not include wildlife guzzlers.
(B) Restriction on new water resource facilities
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, neither the President nor any other officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall fund, assist, authorize, or issue a license or permit for the development of any new water resource facility within any wilderness area, including a portion of a wilderness area, that is located in the County.
Sec. 143. Fish and wildlife management
(a) In general
In accordance with section 4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(7)), nothing in this subtitle affects or diminishes the jurisdiction of the State with respect to fish and wildlife management, including the regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping, in the Wilderness.
(b) Management activities
In furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the Secretary concerned may conduct any management activities in the Wilderness that are necessary to maintain or restore fish and wildlife populations and the habitats to support the populations, if the activities are carried out—
(1)
in a manner that is consistent with relevant wilderness management plans; and
(2)
in accordance with—
(A)
the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(B)
appropriate policies, such as those set forth in Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101–405), including the occasional and temporary use of motorized vehicles and aircraft if the use, as determined by the Secretary concerned, would promote healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife populations that would enhance wilderness values with the minimal impact necessary to reasonably accomplish those tasks.
(c) Existing activities
Consistent with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)) and in accordance with appropriate policies such as those set forth in Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101–405), the State may continue to use aircraft, including helicopters, to survey, capture, transplant, monitor, and provide water for wildlife populations in the Wilderness.
(d) Hunting, fishing, and trapping
(1) In general
The Secretary concerned may designate 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.
(2) Consultation
Except in emergencies, the Secretary concerned shall consult with the appropriate State agency and notify the public before making any designation under paragraph (1).
(e) Cooperative agreement
(1) In general
The State (including a designee of the State) may conduct wildlife management activities in the Wilderness—
(A)
in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the cooperative agreement between the Secretary of the Interior and the State entitled Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Land Management and the Nevada Department of Wildlife Supplement No. 9
and signed November and December 2003, including any amendments to the cooperative agreement agreed to by the Secretary of the Interior and the State; and
(B)
subject to all applicable laws (including regulations).
(2) References
For the purposes of this subsection, any reference to Douglas County in the cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be considered to be a reference to the Wilderness.
Sec. 144. Release of wilderness study area
(a) Finding
Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the approximately 1,065 acres of public land in the Burbank Canyons Wilderness study area not designated as wilderness by this subtitle has been adequately studied for wilderness designation.
(b) Release
Any public land described in subsection (a) that is not designated as wilderness by this subtitle—
(1)
is no longer subject to section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)); or
(2)
shall be managed in accordance with—
(A)
land management plans adopted under section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712); and
(B)
cooperative conservation agreements in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Sec. 145. Native American cultural and religious uses
Nothing in this subtitle alters or diminishes the treaty rights of any Indian Tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)).
Title II INCLINE VILLAGE FIRE PROTECTION
Sec. 201. Purpose
The purpose of this title is to improve hazardous fuels management and enhance public recreation through the conveyance of Federal land to Incline Village General Improvement District in Nevada for public purposes.
Sec. 202. Definitions
In this title:
(1) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
(2) District
The term District means the Incline Village General Improvement District in the State of Nevada.
Sec. 203. Land conveyances for public purposes
(a) Authorization of conveyance
In consideration of the District assuming from the United States all liability for administration, care and maintenance, within 365 days after the effective date of this title, the Secretary shall convey to the District all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the parcels of Federal land described in subsection (b) for public uses including fire risk reduction activities, public recreation, and any other public purpose consistent with Public Law 96–586 (commonly known as the Santini-Burton Act
; 94 Stat. 3381).
(b) Description of Federal land
The Federal land referred to in subsection (a) is depicted on the map entitled Incline Village Fire Protection Act Map
and dated November 12, 2024.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized under subsection (c), including, but not limited to costs of surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration, and administrative costs including closing fees, shall be paid by the District.
(d) Payment of fair market value
As consideration for the conveyance of the Federal land described in subsection (b), the District shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the fair market value of the covered land, as determined—
(1)
in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(2)
based on an appraisal that is conducted in accordance with—
(A)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
(B)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(e) Environmental response and restoration
For purposes of the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture—
(1)
shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h));
(2)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants;
(3)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate the presence of solid and hazardous waste and materials which may be required by applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations; and
(4)
shall not otherwise be required to remove any improvements from the land conveyed.
(f) Easements
As a condition of conveyance of the land conveyed under subsection (a), access easements for roads and trails shall be reserved in the deed at the discretion of the Secretary of Agriculture.
(g) Survey
The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Minor errors
The Secretary in consultation with the City of Reno may, make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under subsection (a) and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal description.
(i) Additional terms and conditions
With respect to the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture may require such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
Title III NORTHERN NEVADA FLOOD PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT
Sec. 301. Purpose
This purpose of this title is to convey certain Federal land along the Truckee River in Nevada to the Truckee River Flood Management Authority for the purpose of environmental restoration and flood control management.
Sec. 302. Definitions
In this title:
(1) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, including the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation.
(2) TRFMA
The term TRFMA means the Truckee River Flood Management Authority in the State of Nevada.
Sec. 303. Land conveyances for flood protection
(a) Authorization of conveyance
At the request of the TRFMA, the Secretary shall convey to the TRFMA without consideration all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the parcels of Federal land described in subsection (b) for the purposes of flood attenuation, riparian restoration, and protection along the Truckee River in Nevada. Upon conveyance, TRFMA shall coordinate with the Bureau of Reclamation and with Storey County, as needed, in order to provide easements at no cost for access and use to necessary infrastructure located immediately south of the Truckee River and Interstate 80.
(b) Description of Federal land
The Federal land referred to in subsection (a) is depicted as flood control conveyances
on the map entitled Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act – Conveyance to the Truckee River Flood Management Authority
and dated September 20, 2024.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized under subsection (c), including any costs for surveys and other administrative costs, shall be paid by the TRFMA.
(d) Reversion
If the land conveyed under subsection (a) is used in a manner inconsistent with subsection (a), the Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the United States.
Title IV CARSON CITY PUBLIC LANDS CORRECTION
Sec. 401. Definitions
(a) Secretary
The term Secretary means—
(1)
the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to land in the National Forest System; and
(2)
the Secretary of the Interior with respect to other Federal land.
(b) City
The term City means Carson City, Nevada.
(c) Carson city Federal land collaboration committee
The term Carson City Federal Land Collaboration Committee means a committee comprised of—
(1)
the City Manager;
(2)
a designee of the City Manager; and
(3)
not more than 3 members appointed by the Carson City Board of Supervisors to represent areas of Carson City’s government, including the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Department, the Community Development Department, Property Management.
Sec. 402. Land conveyances
(a) Conveyance
Subject to valid existing rights and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), the Secretary shall convey to the City all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 258 acres depicted as Lands to Acquire
on the map entitled Carson City OPLMA Lands
and September 20, 2024.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance under subsection (a), including costs of surveys and administrative costs, shall be paid by the City.
(d) Payment of fair market value
As consideration for the conveyance of the covered land under subsection (a), Carson City shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the fair market value of the covered land, as determined—
(1)
in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(2)
based on an appraisal that is conducted in accordance with—
(A)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
(B)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(e) Sale or lease of land to third parties
The City may enter into an agreement to sell, lease, or otherwise convey all or part of the land described in subsection (b).
(f) Conditions
The City shall sell the land at fair market value, and proceeds will be deposited in the account as described in section 407 of this title.
Sec. 403. Carson City street connector conveyance
(a) Authorization of conveyance
The Secretary concerned shall convey to Carson City all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the parcels of Federal land described in subsection (c) for expansion of roadway.
(b) Requirements
(1) In general
The conveyance of the covered land under this section shall be subject to valid existing rights.
(2) Payment of fair market value
As consideration for the conveyance of the covered land under this section, Carson City shall pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the fair market value of the covered land, as determined—
(A)
in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and
(B)
based on an appraisal that is conducted in accordance with—
(i)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
(ii)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(c) Description of Federal land
The Federal land referred to in subsection (a) is depicted as Proposed Land Transfer
on the map entitled Carson City OPLMA Lands
and dated February 28, 2019.
(d) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance authorized under subsection (a), including, but not limited to costs of surveys, appraisal, environmental response and restoration, and administrative costs including closing fees, shall be paid by the City.
(e) Public safety condition
Within 90 days of the conveyance authorized under subsection (a), Carson City, in consultation with the Secretary, shall construct a crosswalk across South Curry Street to allow for continued access to the United States Forest Service Carson Ranger District Office.
(f) Environmental response and restoration
For purposes of the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture—
(1)
shall meet disclosure requirements for hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants under section 120(h) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h));
(2)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate those hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants;
(3)
shall not otherwise be required to remediate or abate the presence of solid and hazardous waste and materials which may be required by applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws and regulations; and
(4)
shall not otherwise be required to remove any improvements from the land conveyed.
(g) Survey
The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be conveyed shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of Agriculture.
(h) Minor errors
The Secretary and in consultation with Carson City may, make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under paragraph (1) and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal description.
(i) Additional terms and conditions
With respect to the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary of Agriculture may require such additional terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
Sec. 404. Amendment to reversionary interests
(a) Sale or lease of land to third parties
Section 2601(b)(4) of Public Law 111–11 (123 Stat. 1111) is amended by inserting after subparagraph (D), the following:
(E) Sale or lease of land to third parties
The City may enter into an agreement to sell, lease, or otherwise convey all or part of the land described in subparagraph (D) to third parties for economic development, recreation or other public purposes consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the
Recreation and Public Purposes Act) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
(b) Conditions
The sale of any land under subsection (a) shall be for not less than fair market value, and proceeds will be deposited in the account as described in section 407 of this title.
Sec. 405. Disposal of Federal land
(a) Disposal
Subject to valid existing rights and notwithstanding sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), the Secretary shall conduct one or more sales of the land described in subsection (b) to qualified bidders.
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 28 acres depicted as Lands for BLM Disposal
on the map entitled Carson City OPLMA Lands
and dated September 20, 2024.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the disposal under subsection (a), including costs of surveys and administrative costs, shall be paid by the party entering into the disposal agreement with the Bureau of Land Management for the land described in subsection (b).
(d) Conditions
Upon disposal, the City shall retain—
(1)
a public utility easement concurrent with Koontz Lane and Conti Drive, which provides waterlines and access to the water tank immediately east of the subject parcels; and
(2)
an existing drainage easement for a future detention basin located on APN 010–152–06 depicted as Lands for BLM Disposal
on the map entitled Carson City OPLMA Lands
and dated September 20, 2024.
Sec. 406. Transfer of land to the United States
(a) Conveyance
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the City shall convey all right and title of the land described in subsection (b) to the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 17 acres depicted as Lands for Disposal
on the map entitled Carson City OPLMA Lands
and dated September 20, 2024.
(c) Disposal
Subject to valid existing rights and notwithstanding sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), the Secretary shall conduct one or more sales of the land described in subsection (b) to qualified bidders.
(d) Costs
(1) Costs related to disposal
Any costs relating to the disposal under subsection (c), including costs of surveys and administrative costs, shall be paid by the party entering into the disposal agreement with the Bureau of Land Management for the land described in subsection (b).
(2) Costs related to conveyance
Any costs relating to the conveyance under subsection (a), including costs of surveys and administrative costs, shall be paid by the City.
(e) Conditions
Upon disposal, the City shall retain—
(1)
access and a public utility easement on APN 010–252–02 for operation and maintenance of a municipal well; and
(2)
a public right-of-way for Bennet Avenue.
(f) Hazardous substances
The costs of remedial actions relating to hazardous substances on land acquired by the United States under this section shall be paid by those entities responsible for the costs under applicable law.
Sec. 407. Disposition of proceeds
(a) Disposition of proceeds
The proceeds from the sale of land under sections 402, 403, 404, and 405 of this title, and section 2601(e)(1)(B) of Public Law 111–11 (123 Stat. 1111(e)(1)(B)) shall be deposited in a special account in the Treasury of the United States, to be known as the Carson City Special Account
, which shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation, for—
(1)
the reimbursement of costs incurred by the Secretary in preparing for the sale of the land described in sections 402, 404, and 405 of this title, and section 2601(e)(1)(B) of Public Law 111–11 (123 Stat. 1111(e)(1)(B)), including—
(A)
the costs of surveys and appraisals; and
(B)
the costs of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713);
(2)
the reimbursement of costs incurred by the City in preparing for the sale of the land described in sections 402 and 404 of this title and section 2601(d) of Public Law 111–11 (123 Stat. 1111(d));
(3)
the conduct of wildlife habitat conservation and restoration projects, including projects that benefit the greater sage-grouse in the City;
(4)
the development and implementation of comprehensive, cost-effective, multijurisdictional hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention and restoration projects in the City;
(5)
the acquisition of environmentally sensitive land or interest in environmentally sensitive land in Carson City, Nevada;
(6)
capital improvements administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service in the City; and
(7)
educational purposes specific to the City.
(b) Investment of special account
Amounts deposited into the Carson City Special Account—
(1)
shall earn interest in an amount determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, based on the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturities; and
(2)
may be expended by the Secretary in accordance with this section.
(c) Management of special account
The management and procedures of the Carson City Special Account shall be determined by an intergovernmental agreement between the City and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management.
Sec. 408. Postponement; exclusion from sale
Section 2601(d)(6) of Public Law 111–11 (123 Stat. 1113) is amended to read as follows:
(6) Deadline for sale
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of the Northern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act of 2025, if there is a qualified bidder(s) for the land described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall offer the land for sale to the highest qualified bidder.
Title V PERSHING COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION
Sec. 501. Short title
This title may be cited as the Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act
.
Sec. 502. Definitions
In this title:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
(A)
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
(B)
the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.
(2) County
The term County means Pershing County, Nevada.
(3) Eligible land
The term eligible land means any land administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management—
(A)
that is within the area identified on the Map as Checkerboard Lands Resolution Area
that is designated for disposal by the Secretary through—
(i)
the Winnemucca Consolidated Resource Management Plan; or
(ii)
any subsequent amendment or revision to the management plan that is undertaken with full public involvement;
(B)
as land identified on the Map as Additional Lands Eligible for Disposal
;
(C)
that is not encumbered land.
(4) Encumbered land
The term encumbered land means any land administered by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management within the area identified on the Map as Checkerboard Lands Resolution Area
that is encumbered by mining claims, millsites, or tunnel sites.
(5) Map
The term Map means the map titled Pershing County Checkerboard Lands Resolution
and dated July 8, 2024.
(6) Qualified entity
The term qualified entity means, with respect to a portion of encumbered land—
(A)
the owner of a mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site located on a portion of the encumbered land on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B)
a successor in interest of an owner described in subparagraph (A).
(7) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
(8) State
The term State means the State of Nevada.
(9) Wilderness Area
The term Wilderness Area means a wilderness area designated by section 521(a).
Sec. 503. Findings
Congress finds that—
(1)
since the passage of the Act of July 1, 1862 (12 Stat. 489, chapter 120; commonly known as the Pacific Railway Act of 1862
), under which railroad land grants along the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way created a checkerboard land pattern of alternating public land and privately owned land, management of the land in the checkerboard area has been a constant source of frustration for the County government, private landholders in the County, and the Federal Government;
(2)
management of Federal land in the checkerboard area has been costly and difficult for the Federal land management agencies, creating a disincentive to manage the land effectively;
(3)
parcels of land within the checkerboard area in the County will not vary significantly in appraised value by acre due to the similarity of highest and best use in the County; and
(4)
consolidation of appropriate land within the checkerboard area through sales and exchanges for development and Federal management will—
(A)
help improve the tax base of the County; and
(B)
simplify management for the Federal Government.
Subtitle A Land Sales and Exchanges
Sec. 511. Sale or exchange of eligible land
(a) Authorization of conveyance
Notwithstanding sections 202, 203, 206, and 209 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713, 1716, 1719), as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in accordance with this subtitle and any other applicable law and subject to valid existing rights, shall conduct sales or exchanges of the eligible land.
(b) Joint selection required
After providing public notice, the Secretary and the County shall jointly select parcels of eligible land to be offered for sale or exchange under subsection (a).
(c) Method of sale
A sale of eligible land under subsection (a) shall be—
(1)
consistent with subsections (d) and (f) of section 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1713);
(2)
conducted through a competitive bidding process, under which adjoining landowners are offered the first option, unless the Secretary determines there are suitable and qualified buyers that are not adjoining landowners; and
(3)
for not less than fair market value, based on an appraisal in accordance with subsection (f).
(d) Land exchanges
(1) In general
An exchange of eligible land under subsection (a) shall be consistent with subsection 206(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716).
(2) Equal value exchange
(A) In general
The value of the eligible land and private land to be exchanged under subsection (a)—
(i)
shall be equal; or
(ii)
shall be made equal in accordance with subparagraph (B).
(B) Equalization
(i) Surplus of eligible land
With respect to the eligible land and private land to be exchanged under subsection (a), if the value of the eligible land exceeds the value of the private land, the value of the eligible land and the private land shall be equalized by—
(I)
by the owner of the private land making a cash equalization payment to the Secretary;
(II)
adding private land to the exchange; or
(III)
removing eligible land from the exchange.
(i) Surplus of private land
With respect to the eligible land and private land to be exchanged under subsection (a), if the value of the private land exceeds the value of the eligible land, the value of the private land and the eligible land shall be equalized by—
(I)
by the Secretary making a cash equalization payment to the owner of the private land, in accordance with section 206(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(b));
(II)
adding eligible land to the exchange; or
(III)
removing private land from the exchange.
(3) Adjacent land
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall seek to enter into agreements with one or more owners of private land adjacent to the eligible land for the exchange of the private land for the eligible land, if the Secretary determines that the exchange would consolidate Federal land ownership and facilitate improved Federal land management.
(4) Priority land exchanges
In acquiring private land under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to the acquisition of private land in higher value natural resource areas in the County.
(e) Mass appraisals
(1) In general
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall—
(A)
conduct a mass appraisal of eligible land to be sold or exchanged under this section;
(B)
prepare an evaluation analysis for each land transaction under this section; and
(C)
make available to the public the results of the mass appraisals conducted under subparagraph (A).
(2) Use
The Secretary may use mass appraisals and evaluation analyses conducted under paragraph (1) to facilitate exchanges of eligible land for private land.
(3) Applicable law
The appraisals under paragraph (1) shall be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized appraisal standards, including, as appropriate—
(A)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and
(B)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(4) Duration
An appraisal conducted under paragraph (1) shall remain valid for 5 years after the date on which the appraisal is approved by the Secretary.
(f) Deadline for sale or exchange; exclusions
(1) Deadline
Not later than 2 years after the date on which the eligible land is jointly selected under subsection (b), the Secretary shall offer for sale or exchange the parcels of eligible land jointly selected under that subsection.
(2) Postponement or exclusion
The Secretary or the County may postpone, or exclude from, a sale or exchange of all or a portion of the eligible land jointly selected under subsection (b) for emergency ecological or safety reasons.
(g) Withdrawal
(1) In general
Subject to valid existing rights and mining claims, millsites, and tunnel sites, effective on the date on which a parcel of eligible land is jointly selected under subsection (b) for sale or exchange, that parcel is withdrawn from—
(A)
all forms of entry and appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining laws;
(B)
location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C)
operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws.
(2) Termination
The withdrawal of a parcel of eligible land under paragraph (1) shall terminate—
(A)
on the date of sale or, in the case of exchange, the conveyance of title of the parcel of eligible land under this section; or
(B)
with respect to any parcel of eligible land selected for sale or exchange under subsection (c) that is not sold or exchanged, not later than 2 years after the date on which the parcel was offered for sale or exchange under this section.
Sec. 512. Sale of encumbered land
(a) Authorization of conveyance
Notwithstanding sections 202, 203, 206, and 209 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713, 1716, 1719), not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to valid existing rights held by third parties, the Secretary shall offer to convey to qualified entities, for fair market value, the remaining right, title, and interest of the United States, in and to the encumbered land.
(b) Costs of sales to qualified entities
As a condition of each conveyance of encumbered land under this section, the qualified entity shall pay all costs related to the conveyance of the encumbered land, including the costs of surveys and other administrative costs associated with the conveyance.
(c) Offer To convey
(1) In general
Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary receives a fair market offer from a qualified entity for the conveyance of encumbered land, the Secretary shall accept the fair market value offer.
(2) Appraisal
Fair market value of the interest of the United States in and to encumbered land shall be determined by an appraisal conducted in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(d) Conveyance
Not later than 180 days after the date of acceptance by the Secretary of an offer from a qualified entity under subsection (c)(1) and completion of a sale for all or part of the applicable portion of encumbered land to the highest qualified entity, the Secretary, by delivery of an appropriate deed, patent, or other valid instrument of conveyance, shall convey to the qualified entity all remaining right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the applicable portion of the encumbered land.
(e) Merger
Subject to valid existing rights held by third parties, on delivery of the instrument of conveyance to the qualified entity under subsection (d), the prior interests in the locatable minerals and the right to use the surface for mineral purposes held by the qualified entity under a mining claim, millsite, tunnel site, or any other Federal land use authorization applicable to the encumbered land included in the instrument of conveyance, shall merge with all right, title, and interest conveyed to the qualified entity by the United States under this section to ensure that the qualified entity receives fee simple title to the purchased encumbered land.
Sec. 513. Disposition of proceeds
(a) Disposition of proceeds
Of the proceeds from the sale of land under this subtitle—
(1)
5 percent shall be disbursed to the State for use in the general education program of the State;
(2)
10 percent shall be disbursed to the County for use as determined through normal County budgeting procedures; and
(3)
the remainder shall be deposited in a special account in the Treasury of the United States, to be known as the Pershing County Special Account
, which shall be available to the Secretary, without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitations for—
(A)
the acquisition of land from willing sellers (including interests in land) in the County—
(i)
within a wilderness area;
(ii)
that protects other environmentally significant land;
(iii)
that secures public access to Federal land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes; or
(iv)
that improves management of Federal land within the area identified on the Map as Checkerboard Lands Resolution Area
; and
(B)
the reimbursement of costs incurred by the Secretary in preparing for the sale or exchange of land under this subtitle.
(b) Investment of special account
Any amounts deposited in the special account established under subsection (a)(3)—
(1)
shall earn interest in an amount determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, based on the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States of comparable maturities; and
(2)
may be expended by the Secretary in accordance with this section.
(c) Reports
(1) In general
Not later than September 30 of the fifth fiscal year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 5 fiscal years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the State, the County, and the appropriate congressional committees a report on the operation of the special account established under subsection (a)(3) for the preceding 5 fiscal years.
(2) Contents
Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include, for the fiscal year covered by the report—
(A)
a statement of the amounts deposited into the special account;
(B)
a description of the expenditures made from the special account for the fiscal year, including the purpose of the expenditures;
(C)
recommendations for additional authorities to fulfill the purpose of the special account; and
(D)
a statement of the balance remaining in the special account at the end of the fiscal year.
Subtitle B Wilderness Areas
Sec. 521. Additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System
(a) Additions
In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the following parcels of Federal land in the State are designated as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System:
(1) Cain mountain wilderness
Certain Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 12,339 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Cain Mountain Wilderness
and dated February 9, 2017, which, together with the Federal land designated as wilderness by sections 2905(b)(1)(C) and 2932(a)(1) of Public Law 117–263, shall be known as the Cain Mountain Wilderness
.
(2) Bluewing wilderness
Certain Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 24,900 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Bluewing Wilderness
and dated February 9, 2017, which shall be known as the Bluewing Wilderness
.
(3) Selenite peak wilderness
Certain Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 22,822 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Selenite Peak Wilderness
and dated February 9, 2017, which shall be known as the Selenite Peak Wilderness
.
(4) Mount limbo wilderness
Certain Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 11,855 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Mt. Limbo Wilderness
and dated February 9, 2017, which shall be known as the Mount Limbo Wilderness
.
(5) North sahwave wilderness
Certain Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 13,875 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed North Sahwave Wilderness
and dated February 9, 2017, which shall be known as the North Sahwave Wilderness
.
(6) Grandfathers wilderness
Certain Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 35,339 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Grandfathers Wilderness
and dated February 9, 2017, which shall be known as the Grandfathers Wilderness
.
(7) Fencemaker wilderness
Certain Federal land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, comprising approximately 14,942 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled Proposed Fencemaker Wilderness
and dated February 9, 2017, which shall be known as the Fencemaker Wilderness
.
(b) Boundary
The boundary of any portion of a Wilderness Area that is bordered by a road shall be 100 feet from the centerline of the road.
(c) Map and legal description
(1) In general
As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall file a map and legal description of each Wilderness Area.
(2) Effect
Each map and legal description prepared under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this subtitle, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in the map or legal description.
(3) Availability
Each map and legal description prepared under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management.
(4) Withdrawal
Subject to valid existing rights, the Wilderness Areas are withdrawn from—
(A)
all forms of entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws;
(B)
location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and
(C)
disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
Sec. 522. Administration
(a) Management
Subject to valid existing rights, the Wilderness Areas shall be administered by the Secretary in accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), except that with respect to the Wilderness Areas—
(1)
any reference in that Act to the effective date shall be considered to be a reference to the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2)
any reference in that Act to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be considered to be a reference to the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Livestock
The grazing of livestock in the Wilderness Areas, if established before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be allowed to continue, subject to such reasonable regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary considers to be necessary in accordance with—
(1)
section 4(d)(4) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(4)); and
(2)
the guidelines set forth in Appendix A of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101–405).
(c) Incorporation of acquired land and interests
Any land or interest in land within the boundary of a Wilderness Area that is acquired by the United States after the date of the enactment of this Act shall be added to and administered as part of the Wilderness Area.
(d) Adjacent management
(1) In general
Congress does not intend for the designation of the Wilderness Areas to create protective perimeters or buffer zones around the wilderness areas.
(2) Nonwilderness activities
The fact that nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from areas within a Wilderness Area shall not preclude the conduct of those activities or uses outside the boundary of the Wilderness Area.
(e) Military overflights
Nothing in this subtitle restricts or precludes—
(1)
low-level overflights of military aircraft over the Wilderness Areas, 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.
(f) Wildfire, insect, and disease management
In accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)), the Secretary may take such measures in the Wilderness Areas as are necessary for the control of fire, insects, and diseases (including, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, the coordination of the activities with a State or local agency).
(g) Climatological data collection
In accordance with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may authorize the installation and maintenance of hydrologic, meteorologic, or climatological data collection devices in the Wilderness Areas if the Secretary determines that the facilities and access to the facilities are essential to flood warning, flood control, or water reservoir operation activities.
(h) Water rights
(1) Findings
Congress finds that—
(A)
the Wilderness Areas are located—
(i)
in the semiarid region of the Great Basin; and
(ii)
at the headwaters of the streams and rivers on land with respect to which there are few, if any—
(I)
actual or proposed water resource facilities located upstream; and
(II)
opportunities for diversion, storage, or other uses of water occurring outside the land that would adversely affect the wilderness values of the land;
(B)
the Wilderness Areas are generally not suitable for use or development of new water resource facilities; and
(C)
because of the unique nature of the Wilderness Areas, it is possible to provide for proper management and protection of the wilderness and other values of land in ways different from those used in other laws.
(2) Purpose
The purpose of this section is to protect the wilderness values of the Wilderness Areas by means other than a federally reserved water right.
(3) Statutory construction
Nothing in this subtitle—
(A)
constitutes an express or implied reservation by the United States of any water or water rights with respect to the Wilderness Areas;
(B)
affects any water rights in the State (including any water rights held by the United States) in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act;
(C)
establishes a precedent with regard to any future wilderness designations;
(D)
affects the interpretation of, or any designation made under, any other Act; or
(E)
limits, alters, modifies, or amends any interstate compact or equitable apportionment decree that apportions water among and between the State and other States.
(4) Nevada water law
The Secretary shall follow the procedural and substantive requirements of State law in order to obtain and hold any water rights not in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to the Wilderness Areas.
(5) New projects
(A) Definition of water resource facility
(i) In general
In this paragraph, the term water resource facility means irrigation and pumping facilities, reservoirs, water conservation works, aqueducts, canals, ditches, pipelines, wells, hydropower projects, transmission and other ancillary facilities, and other water diversion, storage, and carriage structures.
(ii) Exclusion
In this paragraph, the term water resource facility does not include wildlife guzzlers.
(B) Restriction on new water resource facilities
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, neither the President nor any other officer, employee, or agent of the United States shall fund, assist, authorize, or issue a license or permit for the development of any new water resource facility within the Wilderness Areas.
(i) Temporary telecommunications device
(1) In general
Nothing in this subtitle prevents the placement of a temporary telecommunications device for law enforcement or agency administrative purposes in the Selenite Peak Wilderness in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Additional requirements
Any temporary telecommunications device authorized by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
be carried out in accordance with—
(i)
the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(ii)
all other applicable laws (including regulations);
(B)
to the maximum practicable, be located in such a manner as to minimize impacts on the recreational and other wilderness values of the area; and
(C)
be for a period of not longer than 7 years.
Sec. 523. Wildlife management
(a) In general
In accordance with section 4(d)(7) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(7)), nothing in this subtitle affects or diminishes the jurisdiction of the State with respect to fish and wildlife management, including the regulation of hunting, fishing, and trapping, in the Wilderness Areas.
(b) Management activities
In furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the Secretary may conduct any management activities in the Wilderness Areas that are necessary to maintain or restore fish and wildlife populations and the habitats to support the populations, if the activities are carried out—
(1)
consistent with relevant wilderness management plans; and
(2)
in accordance with—
(A)
the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.); and
(B)
appropriate policies, such as those set forth in Appendix B of the report of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101–405), including noxious weed treatment and the occasional and temporary use of motorized vehicles if the use, as determined by the Secretary, would promote healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife populations that would enhance wilderness values with the minimal impact necessary to reasonably accomplish those tasks.
(c) Existing activities
In accordance with section 4(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1133(d)(1)) and in accordance with appropriate policies such as those set forth in Appendix B of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of Representatives accompanying H.R. 2570 of the 101st Congress (House Report 101–405), the State may continue to use aircraft, including helicopters, to survey, capture, transplant, monitor, and provide water for wildlife populations.
(d) Wildlife water development projects
Subject to subsection (f), the Secretary shall authorize structures and facilities, including existing structures and facilities, for wildlife water development projects, including guzzlers, in the Wilderness Areas if—
(1)
the structures and facilities 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 structures and facilities on the Wilderness Areas can reasonably be minimized.
(e) Hunting, fishing, and trapping
(1) In general
The Secretary may designate 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.
(2) Consultation
Except in emergencies, the Secretary shall consult with the appropriate State agency and notify the public before taking any action under paragraph (1).
(f) Cooperative agreement
(1) In general
The State, including a designee of the State, may conduct wildlife management activities in the Wilderness Areas—
(A)
in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the cooperative agreement between the Secretary and the State entitled Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Land Management and the Nevada Department of Wildlife Supplement No. 9
and signed November and December 2003, including any amendments to the cooperative agreement agreed to by the Secretary and the State; and
(B)
subject to all applicable laws (including regulations).
(2) References
For the purposes of this subsection, any references to Pershing County in the cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be considered to be a reference to the Wilderness Areas.
Sec. 524. Release of wilderness study areas
(a) Finding
Congress finds that, for the purposes of section 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the approximately 48,600 acres of public land in the portions of the China Mountain, Mt. Limbo, Selenite Mountains, and Tobin Range wilderness study areas that have not been designated as wilderness by section 521(a) of this subtitle and the portion of the Augusta Mountains wilderness study area within the County that has not been designated as wilderness by section 521(a) of this subtitle have been adequately studied for wilderness designation.
(b) Release
The public land described in subsection (a)—
(1)
is no longer 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 the applicable land use plans adopted under section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712).
Sec. 525. Native American cultural and religious uses
(a) In general
Nothing in this subtitle alters or diminishes the treaty rights of any Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)).
(b) Cultural uses
Nothing in this subtitle precludes the traditional collection of pine nuts in a Wilderness Area for personal, noncommercial use consistent with the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.).
Title VI FEDERAL COMPLEX
Sec. 601. Federal complex
(a) Establishment
The Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture shall have the authority to establish on Federal lands identified as Federal Complex
on the map titled Proposed Federal Complex
, and dated January 27, 2020, a Federal complex for—
(1)
department agencies and operations for the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service;
(2)
the Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Office;
(3)
the Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe Headquarters;
(4)
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Reno Fish and Wildlife Office;
(5)
the option for the Bureau of Reclamation to house the Lower Colorado Region Office, Boulder Canyon Operations and the Lahontan Basin Area Office;
(6)
the Bureau of Indian Affairs Western Nevada Agency Office;
(7)
the option for the Forest Service, the Carson Ranger District Office; and
(8)
the option for the Bureau of Land Management, the Carson City District Office.
(b) Funding sources
(1) Special accounts
Ten percent of the total amount deposited in the Federal special accounts established under titles I, IV, and V of this Act shall be available to the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture for construction of the Federal complex.
(2) Secondary sources
If the amount made available by paragraph (1) is insufficient to complete construction of the Federal complex, the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture may use other accounts available for the operation of the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Forest Service in Nevada to provide such additional amounts as may be necessary to complete construction of the Federal complex.
Title VII ELKO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 701. Short title
This title may be cited as the Elko Economic Development Act
.
Sec. 702. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) City
The term City means the City of Elko, Nevada.
(2) County
The term County means Elko County, Nevada.
(3) Federal land identified for the city of elko
The term Federal land identified for the City of Elko means the approximately 644 acres of federally owned land generally depicted on the map and indicating conveyance to the City of Elko.
(4) Federal land identified for elko county
The term Federal land identified for Elko County means the approximately 3,475 acres of federally owned land generally depicted on the map and indicating conveyance to Elko County.
(5) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
Sec. 703. Land conveyances to the City of Elko
(a) Conveyance
Subject to valid existing rights and at the request of the City, the Secretary shall convey to the City, for fair market value, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land identified for conveyance to the City of Elko on the map entitled Proposed Conveyance to the City of Elko, Nevada
and dated November 7, 2024.
(b) Appraisal
The Secretary shall determine fair market value of the Federal land identified for the City of Elko in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and based on an appraisal conducted in accordance with—
(1)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition; and
(2)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(c) Costs
As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal land identified for the City of Elko under subsection (a), the City shall pay—
(1)
an amount equal to the appraised value determined in accordance with subsection (b); and
(2)
all costs related to the conveyance, including all surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs associated with the conveyance of the Federal land to the City.
(d) Disposition of proceeds
Any gross proceeds from the sale, lease, or conveyance of Federal land identified for the City of Elko under this section shall be deposited into the special account created by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263).
Sec. 704. Land conveyances to Elko County
(a) Conveyance
Subject to valid existing rights and at the request of the County, the Secretary shall convey to the County, for fair market value, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land identified for Elko County on the map entitled Conveyance to Elko County, Nevada
and dated October 30, 2024.
(b) Appraisal
The Secretary shall determine fair market value of the Federal land identified for Elko County in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and based on an appraisal conducted in accordance with—
(1)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition; and
(2)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(c) Costs
As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal land identified for Elko County under subsection (a), the City shall pay—
(1)
an amount equal to the appraised value determined in accordance with subsection (b); and
(2)
all costs related to the conveyance, including all surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs associated with the conveyance of the Federal land to the City.
(d) Disposition of proceeds
Any gross proceeds from the sale, lease, or conveyance of Federal land under this section shall be deposited into the special account created by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263).
Title VIII FERNLEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sec. 801. Short title
This title may be cited as the Fernley Economic Development Act
.
Sec. 802. Land conveyances
(a) Conveyance
Subject to valid existing rights and at the request of the City, the Secretary shall convey to the City, for fair market value, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land.
(b) Appraisal
The Secretary shall determine fair market value of the Federal land in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701) and based on an appraisal conducted in accordance with—
(1)
the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition; and
(2)
the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(c) Costs
As a condition of the conveyance of the Federal land under subsection (a), the City shall pay—
(1)
an amount equal to the appraised value determined in accordance with subsection (b); and
(2)
all costs related to the conveyance, including all surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs associated with the conveyance of the Federal land to the City.
(d) Disposition of proceeds
Any gross proceeds from the sale, lease, or conveyance of Federal land under this section shall be deposited into the special account created by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263).
(e) Definitions
In this Act:
(1) City
The term City means the City of Fernley, Nevada.
(2) Map
The term map means the map entitled Fernley Economic Development Map
and dated October 6, 2020.
(3) Federal land
The term Federal land means the approximately 12,085 acres of federally owned land generally depicted within Fernley Land Conveyance Boundary
on the map.
(4) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
Title IX CONVEYANCES TO THE CITY OF SPARKS
Sec. 901. Definitions
In this title:
(1) City
The term City means the City of Sparks, Nevada.
(2) Map
The term Map means the map entitled Sparks Public Purpose Conveyances
and dated April 15, 2020.
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
Sec. 902. Conveyance of land for use as a public cemetery
(a) Conveyance
Subject to valid and existing rights and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), at the request of the City, the Secretary shall convey to the City without consideration all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 40 acres of land depicted as Cemetery Conveyance
on the Map.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance under subsection (a), including the costs of surveys and administrative costs, shall be paid by the City.
(d) Use of land
The land conveyed under subsection (a) shall be used only for a cemetery.
Sec. 903. Conveyance of land for use as regional public parks
(a) Conveyance
Subject to valid and existing rights and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), at the request of the City, the Secretary shall convey to the City without consideration all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of land
The land referred to in subsection (a) is the approximately 448.16 acres depicted as Golden Eagle Regional Park
and 266.04 acres depicted as Wedekind Regional Park
on the Map.
(c) Costs
Any costs relating to the conveyance under subsection (a), including the costs of surveys and administrative costs, shall be paid by the City.
(d) Use of land
(1) In general
The land conveyed under subsection (a) shall be used only for public parks or other public purposes consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act
) (44 Stat. 741, chapter 578; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).
(2) Reversion
If any portion of the land conveyed under subsection (a) is used in a manner that is inconsistent with the use described in paragraph (1), the land shall revert, at the discretion of the Secretary, to the United States.
Title X GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 1001. Administration of State water rights
Nothing in this Act affects the allocation, ownership, interest, or control, as in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act, of any water, water right, or any other valid existing right held by the United States, an Indian Tribe, a State, or a person.
Sec. 1002. Amendment to conveyance of Federal land in Storey County, Nevada
Section 3009(d)(1)(B) of division B of the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck
McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (128 Stat. 3751) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ; and the land generally depicted as
.BLM Owned County Request Transfer
on the map entitled Restoring Storey County
, dated October 22, 2020.
Sec. 1003. Maps and legal descriptions
(a) In general
As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall finalize maps and legal descriptions of all land to be conveyed under this Act. The maps and legal descriptions shall be on file and available for public inspection in appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service, as applicable.
(b) Corrections
The Secretary concerned and the recipients of the Federal land to be conveyed under this Act may, by mutual agreement—
(1)
make minor boundary adjustments to the Federal land to be conveyed; and
(2)
correct any minor errors, including clerical and typographical errors, on the maps, the acreage estimate, or the legal descriptions.
Sec. 1004. Minor errors
The Secretary in consultation with the State of Nevada may make minor boundary adjustments to the parcels of Federal land to be conveyed under all titles of this Act and correct any minor errors in the map, acreage estimate, or legal description.
Title XI GREENLINK WEST PROJECT
Sec. 1101. Greenlink West Project
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Project
The term Project means the Greenlink West Project described in—
(A)
the notice of intent of the Bureau of Land Management entitled Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Potential Resource Management Plan Amendments for the Greenlink West Project in Clark, Nye, Esmeralda, Mineral, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe Counties in Nevada
(87 Fed. Reg. 25658 (May 2, 2022)); and
(B)
the associated administrative record for the Greenlink West Project numbered DOI–BLM–NV–0000–2022–0004–EIS.
(2) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management.
(3) Tribe
The term Tribe means the Walker River Paiute Tribe.
(4) Walker lake parcel
The term Walker Lake Parcel means the following land in Mineral County, Nevada:
(A)
All land held by the Bureau of Land Management in T. 11 N., R. 29 E., secs. 35 and 36, Mount Diablo Meridian.
(B)
All land held by the Bureau of Reclamation in T. 10 N., R. 30 E., secs. 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 16, 17, 20, 21, 28, 29, 32, and 33, Mount Diablo Meridian.
(C)
All land held by the Bureau of Land Management in T. 10.5 N., R. 30 E., secs. 31 and 32, Mount Diablo Meridian.
(b) Project authorization; right-of-Way
If the Walker Lake Parcel is taken into trust for the benefit of the Tribe on, before, or after the date of enactment of this Act, the consent of the Tribe for the use for the Project of the portion of the Walker Lake Parcel taken into trust shall be deemed to have been obtained by the Secretary subject to the following:
(1)
The use of the Walker Lake Parcel land for the Project shall be subject to review under the pending proceeding under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), which shall be modified—
(A)
to reflect the trust title of the Walker Lake Parcel; and
(B)
to address any other laws applicable to rights-of-way on Tribal land, including any environmental, wildlife, conservation, historic preservation, and natural resources laws.
(2)
As soon as practicable after the date on which the Walker Lake Parcel is taken into trust for the benefit of the Tribe, the Secretary shall approve a right-of-way agreement between the Tribe and the Project applicant before the commencement of construction and installation of the Project to address applicable provisions under part 169 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), including, with respect to compensation paid to the Tribe, term, amendment, renewal, assignment, access rights, operation and maintenance, and an annual premium usage fee consistent with prevailing rates or standards to be paid directly to the Tribe, subject to the requirement that the Secretary and the Tribe shall exercise all authority under applicable law (including regulations) with respect to the use of, and compliance with, the right-of-way.
Title XII JEAN PRISON TRANSFER
Sec. 1201. Release of Federal reversionary land interests
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Patent
The term Patent means the serial patent numbered 27–80–0056, dated December 13, 1979, recorded in Clark County, Nevada, records in book 1178, instrument 1137147 (BLM Serial Number NVN 011732).
(2) State
The term State means the State of Nevada.
(3) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
(b) Release
Subject to valid and existing rights, the Secretary shall release, convey, or otherwise quitclaim to the State, in a form recordable in local county records, and subject to the approval of the State, after consultation, all right, title, and remaining interest of the United States in and to the land that was conveyed to the State pursuant to the Patent or any other law authorizing conveyance subject to restrictions or reversionary interests retained by the United States, on request by the State.
(c) Terms and conditions
A conveyance authorized by subsection (b) shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(1)
The State shall cover, or reimburse the Secretary for, the costs incurred by the Secretary to make the conveyance, including title searches, surveys, deed preparation, attorneys’ fees, and similar expenses.
(2)
By accepting the conveyances, the State agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the United States with regard to any boundary dispute relating to any parcel conveyed under this section.
(3)
The State of Nevada, or its successors in interest, shall—
(A)
manage such lands in accordance with section 47504 of title 49, United States Code (relating to airport and regulations promulgated pursuant to that section); and
(B)
section 744 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118–63) as applicable to the development of the proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.