39–010 

Calendar No. 405 

113TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! SENATE 2d Session 113–178 

LAS VEGAS VALLEY PUBLIC LAND AND TULE SPRINGS 

FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT 

JUNE 2, 2014.—Ordered to be printed 

Ms. LANDRIEU, from the Committee on Energy and Natural 

Resources, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany S. 974] 

The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was 

referred the bill (S. 974) to provide for certain land conveyances in 

the State of Nevada, and for other purposes, having considered the 

same, reports favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that the bill, as amended, do pass. 

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Las Vegas Valley Public Land 

and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Act of 2013’’. 

(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act is as follows: 

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. 

Sec. 2. Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. 

Sec. 3. Addition of land to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. 

Sec. 4. Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management land to North Las Vegas. 

Sec. 5. Conveyance of Bureau of Land Management land to Las Vegas. 

Sec. 6. Expansion of conveyance to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. 

Sec. 7. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area withdrawal. 

Sec. 8. Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 amendments. 

Sec. 9. Conveyance of land to the Nevada System of Higher Education. 

Sec. 10. Land Conveyance for Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport. 

Sec. 11. Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area release. 

Sec. 12. Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. 

Sec. 13. Withdrawal and reservation of land for Nellis Air Force Base expansion. 

Sec. 14. Military overflights. 

Sec. 15. Authorization of appropriations. 

SEC. 2. TULE SPRINGS FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 

(1) since 1933, the Upper Las Vegas Wash has been valued by scientists because of the significant paleontological resources demonstrative of the Pleistocene Epoch that are located in the area; 

(2) in 2004, during the preparation of the Las Vegas Valley Disposal Boundary Final Environmental Impact Statement, the Bureau of Land Management 

identified sensitive biological, cultural, and paleontological resources determined 


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to be worthy of more evaluation with respect to the protective status of the resources; 

(3) the Upper Las Vegas Wash contains thousands of paleontological resources from the Pleistocene Epoch that are preserved in a unique geological 

context that are of national importance, including Columbian mammoth, ground 

sloth, American lion, camels, and horse fossils; 

(4) in addition to Joshua trees and several species of cacti, the Las Vegas 

buckwheat, Merriam’s bearpoppy, and the Las Vegas bearpoppy are 3 unique 

and imperiled plants that are supported in the harsh desert environment of 

Tule Springs; 

(5) the area provides important habitat for threatened desert tortoise, endemic poppy bees, kit foxes, burrowing owls, LeConte’s thrasher, phainopepla, 

and a variety of reptiles; 

(6) in studies of the area conducted during the last decade, the Bureau of 

Land Management and National Park Service determined that the area likely 

contains the longest continuous section of Pleistocene strata in the desert southwest, which span multiple important global climate cooling and warming episodes; 

(7) the Upper Las Vegas Wash is significant to the culture and history of the 

native and indigenous people of the area, including the Southern Paiute Tribe; 

(8) despite the findings of the studies and recommendations for further assessment of the resources for appropriate methods of protection— 

(A) the area remains inadequately protected; and 

(B) many irreplaceable fossil specimens in the area have been lost to vandalism or theft; and 

(9) designation of the Upper Las Vegas Wash site as a National Monument 

would protect the unique fossil resources of the area and the geological context 

of those resources for present and future generations while allowing for public 

education and continued scientific research opportunities. 

(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Council’’ means the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Advisory Council established by subsection (g)(1). 

(2) COUNTY.—The term ‘‘County’’ means Clark County, Nevada. 

(3) LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—The term ‘‘local government’’ means the City of Las 

Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, or the County. 

(4) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The term ‘‘management plan’’ means the management plan for the Monument developed under subsection (d)(5). 

(5) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map entitled ‘‘Tule Springs Fossil Beds 

National Monument Proposed Boundary’’, numbered 963/123, 142, and dated 

December 2013. 

(6) MONUMENT.—The term ‘‘Monument’’ means the Tule Springs Fossil Beds 

National Monument established by subsection (c)(1). 

(7) 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). 

(8) PUBLIC WATER AGENCY.—The term ‘‘public water agency’’ means a regional 

wholesale water provider that is engaged in the acquisition of water on behalf 

of, or the delivery of water to, water purveyors who are member agencies of the 

public water agency. 

(9) QUALIFIED ELECTRIC UTILITY.—The term ‘‘qualified electric utility’’ means 

any public or private utility determined by the Secretary to be technically and 

financially capable of developing the high-voltage transmission facilities described in subsection (e). 

(10) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior. 

(11) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the State of Nevada. 

(c) ESTABLISHMENT.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—In order to conserve, protect, interpret, and enhance for the 

benefit of present and future generations the unique and nationally important 

paleontological, scientific, educational, and recreational resources and values of 

the land described in this subsection, there is established in the State, subject 

to valid existing rights, the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. 

(2) BOUNDARIES.—The Monument shall consist of approximately 22,650 acres 

of public land in the County identified as ‘‘Tule Springs Fossil Beds National 

Monument’’, as generally depicted on the Map. 

(3) MAP; LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of 

this Act, the Secretary shall prepare an official map and legal description 

of the boundaries of the Monument. 


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(B) LEGAL EFFECT.—The map and legal description prepared under subparagraph (A) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this 

section, except that the Secretary may correct any clerical or typographical 

errors in the legal description or the map. 

(C) AVAILABILITY OF MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.—The map and legal 

description prepared under subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available 

for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service. 

(4) ACQUISITION OF LAND.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may acquire 

land or interests in land within or adjacent to the boundaries of the Monument by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, exchange, 

or transfer from another Federal agency. 

(B) LIMITATION.—Land or interests in land that are owned by the State 

or a political subdivision of the State may be acquired under subparagraph 

(A) only by donation or exchange. 

(5) WITHDRAWALS.—Subject to valid existing rights and subsections (e) and (f), 

any land within the Monument or any land or interest in land that is acquired 

by the United States for inclusion in the Monument after the date of enactment 

of this Act is withdrawn from— 

(A) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; 

(B) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and 

(C) operation of the mineral leasing laws, geothermal leasing laws, and 

minerals materials laws. 

(6) RELATIONSHIP TO CLARK COUNTY MULTI-SPECIES HABITAT CONSERVATION

PLAN.— 

(A) AMENDMENT TO PLAN.—The Secretary shall credit, on an acre-for-acre 

basis, approximately 22,650 acres of the land conserved for the Monument 

under this Act toward the development of additional non-Federal land within the County through an amendment to the Clark County Multi-Species 

Habitat Conservation Plan. 

(B) EFFECT ON PLAN.—Nothing in this Act otherwise limits, alters, modifies, or amends the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. 

(7) TERMINATION OF UPPER LAS VEGAS WASH CONSERVATION TRANSFER AREA.— 

The Upper Las Vegas Wash Conservation Transfer Area established by the 

Record of Decision dated October 21, 2011, for the Upper Las Vegas Wash Conservation Transfer Area Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, 

is terminated. 

(d) ADMINISTRATION OF MONUMENT.— 

(1) TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATIVE JURISDICTION.—Administrative jurisdiction 

over the approximately 22,650 acres of public land depicted on the Map as ‘‘Tule 

Springs Fossil Bed National Monument’’ is transferred from the Bureau of Land 

Management to the National Park Service. 

(2) ADMINISTRATION.—The Secretary shall administer the Monument— 

(A) in a manner that conserves, protects, interprets, and enhances the resources and values of the Monument; and 

(B) in accordance with— 

(i) this section; 

(ii) the provisions of laws generally applicable to units of the National Park System (including the National Park Service Organic Act 

(16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.)); and 

(iii) any other applicable laws. 

(3) BUFFER ZONES.—The establishment of the Monument shall not— 

(A) lead to the creation of express or implied protective perimeters or 

buffer zones around or over the Monument; 

(B) preclude disposal or development of public land adjacent to the 

boundaries of the Monument, if the disposal or development is consistent 

with other applicable law; or 

(C) preclude an activity on, or use of, private land adjacent to the boundaries of the Monument, if the activity or use is consistent with other applicable law. 

(4) AIR AND WATER QUALITY.—Nothing in this Act alters the standards governing air or water quality outside the boundary of the Monument. 

(5) MANAGEMENT PLAN.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds 

are made available to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall develop 

a management plan that provides for the long-term protection and management of the Monument. 

(B) COMPONENTS.—The management plan— 


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(i) shall— 

(I) be prepared in accordance with section 12(b) of the National 

Park System General Authorities Act (16 U.S.C. 1a–7(b)); and 

(II) consistent with this section and the purposes of the Monument, allow for continued scientific research at the Monument; and 

(ii) may— 

(I) incorporate any appropriate decisions contained in an existing 

management or activity plan for the land designated as the Monument under subsection (c)(1); and 

(II) use information developed in any study of land within, or adjacent to, the boundary of the Monument that was conducted before the date of enactment of this Act. 

(C) PUBLIC PROCESS.—In preparing the management plan, the Secretary 

shall— 

(i) consult with, and take into account the comments and recommendations of, the Council; 

(ii) provide an opportunity for public involvement in the preparation 

and review of the management plan, including holding public meetings; 

(iii) consider public comments received as part of the public review 

and comment process of the management plan; and 

(iv) consult with governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders involved in establishing and improving the regional trail system to incorporate, where appropriate, trails in the Monument that link to the regional trail system. 

(6) INTERPRETATION, EDUCATION, AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide for public interpretation of, 

and education and scientific research on, the paleontological resources of 

the Monument, with priority given to the onsite exhibition and curation of 

the resources, to the extent practicable. 

(B) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit 

organizations, and appropriate public and private entities to carry out subparagraph (A). 

(e) RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSMISSION FACILITIES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—On receipt of a complete application from a qualified electric 

utility, the Secretary, in accordance with applicable laws (including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and title V of 

the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761 et seq.)), 

shall issue to the qualified electric utility a 400-foot-wide right-of-way for the 

construction and maintenance of high-voltage transmission facilities depicted on 

the Map as ‘‘Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor’’ if the high-voltage 

transmission facilities do not conflict with other previously authorized rights-ofway within the corridor. 

(2) REQUIREMENTS.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The high-voltage transmission facilities shall— 

(i) be used— 

(I) primarily, to the maximum extent practicable, for renewable 

energy resources; and 

(II) to meet reliability standards set by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Western Electricity Coordinating 

Council, or the public utilities regulator of the State; and 

(ii) employ best management practices identified as part of the compliance of the Secretary with the National Environmental Policy Act of 

1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to limit impacts on the Monument, including impacts to the viewshed. 

(B) CAPACITY.—The Secretary shall consult with the qualified electric 

utility that is issued the right-of-way under paragraph (1) and the public 

utilities regulator of the State to seek to maximize the capacity of the highvoltage transmission facilities. 

(3) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—The issuance of a notice to proceed on the construction of the high-voltage transmission facilities within the right-of-way 

under paragraph (1) shall be subject to terms and conditions that the Secretary 

(in consultation with the qualified electric utility), as part of the compliance of 

the Secretary with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 

4321 et seq.), determines appropriate to protect and conserve the resources for 

which the Monument is managed. 

(4) EXPIRATION OF RIGHT-OF-WAY.—The right-of-way issued under paragraph 

(1) shall expire on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of this 

Act if construction of the high-voltage transmission facilities described in paraVerDate Mar 15 2010 03:32 Jun 05, 2014 Jkt 039010 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\SR178.XXX SR178

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graph (1) has not been initiated by that date, unless the Secretary determines 

that it is in the public interest to continue the right-of-way. 

(f) WATER CONVEYANCE FACILITIES.— 

(1) WATER CONVEYANCE FACILITIES CORRIDOR.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—On receipt of 1 or more complete applications from a 

public water agency and except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary, in accordance with applicable laws (including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and title V of the Federal 

Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761 et seq.)) , shall 

issue to the public water agency a 100-foot-wide right-of-way for the construction, maintenance, repair, and replacement of a buried water conveyance pipeline and associated facilities within the ‘‘Water Conveyance Facilities Corridor’’ and the ‘‘Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor’’ depicted 

on the Map. 

(B) LIMITATION.—A public water agency right-of-way shall not be granted 

under subparagraph (A) within the portion of the Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor that is located along the Moccasin Drive alignment, which 

is generally between T. 18 S. and T. 19 S., Mount Diablo Baseline and Meridian. 

(2) BURIED WATER CONVEYANCE PIPELINE.—On receipt of 1 or more complete 

applications from a unit of local government or public water agency, the Secretary, in accordance with applicable laws (including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and title V of the Federal 

Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1761 et seq.)), shall issue 

to the unit of local government or public water agency a 100-foot-wide right-ofway for the construction, operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of a 

buried water conveyance pipeline to access the existing buried water pipeline 

turnout facility and surge tank located in the NE1⁄4 sec. 16 of T. 19 S. and R. 

61 E. 

(3) REQUIREMENTS.— 

(A) BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.—The water conveyance facilities shall 

employ best management practices identified as part of the compliance of 

the Secretary with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 

U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) to limit the impacts of the water conveyance facilities 

on the Monument. 

(B) CONSULTATIONS.—The water conveyance facilities within the ‘‘Renewable Energy Transmission Corridor’’ shall be sited in consultation with the 

qualified electric utility to limit the impacts of the water conveyance facilities on the high-voltage transmission facilities. 

(4) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—The issuance of a notice to proceed on the construction of the water conveyance facilities within the right-of-way under paragraph (1) shall be subject to any terms and conditions that the Secretary, in 

consultation with the public water agency, as part of the compliance of the Secretary with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 

seq.), determines appropriate to protect and conserve the resources for which 

the Monument is managed. 

(g) TULE SPRINGS FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.— 

(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—To provide guidance for the management of the Monument, there is established the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Advisory Council. 

(2) MEMBERSHIP.— 

(A) COMPOSITION.—The Council shall consist of 10 members, to be appointed by the Secretary, of whom— 

(i) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the County 

Commission; 

(ii) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the city 

council of Las Vegas, Nevada; 

(iii) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the city 

council of North Las Vegas, Nevada; 

(iv) 1 member shall be a member of, or be nominated by, the tribal 

council of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe; 

(v) 1 member shall be a representative of the conservation community in southern Nevada; 

(vi) 1 member shall be a representative of Nellis Air Force Base; 

(vii) 1 member shall be nominated by the State; 

(viii) 1 member shall reside in the County and have a background 

that reflects the purposes for which the Monument was established; 

and 


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(ix) 2 members shall reside in the County or adjacent counties, both 

of whom shall have experience in the field of paleontology, obtained 

through higher education, experience, or both. 

(B) INITIAL APPOINTMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall appoint the initial members of the 

Council in accordance with subparagraph (A). 

(3) DUTIES OF COUNCIL.—The Council shall advise the Secretary with respect 

to the preparation and implementation of the management plan. 

(4) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Council shall receive no compensation 

for serving on the Council. 

(5) CHAIRPERSON.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph (B), the Council shall elect a 

Chairperson from among the members of the Council. 

(B) LIMITATION.—The Chairperson shall not be a member of a Federal or 

State agency. 

(C) TERM.—The term of the Chairperson shall be 3 years. 

(6) TERM OF MEMBERS.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The term of a member of the Council shall be 3 years. 

(B) SUCCESSORS.—Notwithstanding the expiration of a 3-year term of a 

member of the Council, a member may continue to serve on the Council 

until— 

(i) the member is reappointed by the Secretary; or 

(ii) a successor is appointed. 

(7) VACANCIES.— (A) IN GENERAL.—A vacancy on the Council shall be filled in the same 

manner in which the original appointment was made. 

(B) APPOINTMENT FOR REMAINDER OF TERM.—A member appointed to fill 

a vacancy on the Council— 

(i) shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor 

was appointed; and 

(ii) may be nominated for a subsequent term. 

(8) TERMINATION.—Unless an extension is jointly recommended by the Director of the National Park Service and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, the Council shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date 

of enactment of this Act. 

(h) WITHDRAWAL.—Subject to valid existing rights, the land identified on the Map 

as ‘‘BLM Withdrawn Lands’’ is withdrawn from— 

(1) entry under the public land laws; 

(2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and 

(3) operation of the mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, and mineral materials laws. 

SEC. 3. ADDITION OF LAND TO RED ROCK CANYON NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA. 

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) CONSERVATION AREA.—The term ‘‘Conservation Area’’ means the Red Rock 

Canyon National Conservation Area established by the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 460ccc et seq.). 

(2) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map entitled ‘‘North Las Vegas Valley 

Overview’’ and dated November 5, 2013. 

(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior, 

acting through the Bureau of Land Management. 

(b) ADDITION OF LAND TO CONSERVATION AREA.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Conservation Area is expanded to include the land depicted on the Map as ‘‘Additions to Red Rock NCA’’. 

(2) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—Not later than 2 years after the date on which the 

land is acquired, the Secretary shall update the management plan for the Conservation Area to reflect the management requirements of the acquired land. 

(3) MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of 

this Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal description of the parcel to 

be conveyed under this section. 

(B) MINOR ERRORS.—The Secretary may correct any minor error in— 

(i) the Map; or 

(ii) the legal description. 

(C) AVAILABILITY.—The Map and legal description shall be on file and 

available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of 

Land Management. 

SEC. 4. CONVEYANCE OF BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND TO NORTH LAS VEGAS. 

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 


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(1) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map entitled ‘‘North Las Vegas Valley 

Overview’’ and dated November 5, 2013. 

(2) NORTH LAS VEGAS.—The term ‘‘North Las Vegas’’ means the city of North 

Las Vegas, Nevada. 

(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior, 

acting through the Bureau of Land Management. 

(b) CONVEYANCE.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act 

and subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall convey to North Las Vegas, 

without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to 

the land described in subsection (c). 

(c) DESCRIPTION OF LAND.—The land referred to in subsection (b) consists of the 

land managed by the Bureau of Land Management described on the Map as the 

‘‘North Las Vegas Job Creation Zone’’ (including the interests in the land). 

(d) MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this 

Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal description of the parcel to be conveyed under this section. 

(2) MINOR ERRORS.—The Secretary may correct any minor error in— 

(A) the Map; or 

(B) the legal description. 

(3) AVAILABILITY.—The Map and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management. 

(e) USE OF LAND FOR NONRESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—North Las Vegas may sell any portion of the land described 

in subsection (c) for nonresidential development. 

(2) METHOD OF SALE.—The sale of land under paragraph (1) shall be carried 

out— 

(A) through a competitive bidding process; and 

(B) for not less than fair market value. 

(3) FAIR MARKET VALUE.—The Secretary shall determine the fair market value 

of the land under paragraph (2)(B) based on an appraisal that is performed in 

accordance with— 

(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; 

(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices; and 

(C) any other applicable law (including regulations). 

(4) DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS.—The gross proceeds from the sale of land 

under paragraph (1) shall be distributed in accordance with section 4(e) of the 

Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263; 

112 Stat. 2345; 116 Stat. 2007; 117 Stat. 1317; 118 Stat. 2414; 120 Stat. 3045). 

(f) USE OF LAND FOR RECREATION OR OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—North Las Vegas may retain a portion of the land described 

in subsection (c) for public 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.) by providing written notice of the election 

to the Secretary. 

(2) REVOCATION.—If North Las Vegas retains land for public recreation or 

other public purposes under paragraph (1), North Las Vegas may— 

(A) revoke that election; and 

(B) sell the land in accordance with subsection (e). 

(g) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—North Las Vegas shall pay all appraisal costs, survey 

costs, and other administrative costs necessary for the preparation and completion 

of any patents for, and transfers of title to, the land described in subsection (c). 

(h) REVERSION.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—If any parcel of land described in subsection (c) is not conveyed for nonresidential development under this section or reserved for recreation or other public purposes under subparagraph (f) by the date that is 30 

years after the date of enactment of this Act, the parcel of land shall, at the 

discretion of the Secretary, revert to the United States. 

(2) INCONSISTENT USE.—If North Las Vegas uses any parcel of land described 

in subsection (c) in a manner that is inconsistent with this section— 

(A) at the discretion of the Secretary, the parcel shall revert to the United 

States; or 

(B) if the Secretary does not make an election under subparagraph (A), 

North Las Vegas shall sell the parcel of land in accordance with this section. 

SEC. 5. CONVEYANCE OF BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT LAND TO LAS VEGAS. 

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 


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(1) LAS VEGAS.—The term ‘‘Las Vegas’’ means the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. 

(2) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map entitled ‘‘North Las Vegas Valley 

Overview’’ and dated November 5, 2013. 

(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior, 

acting through the Bureau of Land Management. 

(b) CONVEYANCE.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, 

subject to valid existing rights, and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 

1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), the Secretary shall convey to Las Vegas, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in subsection (c). 

(c) DESCRIPTION OF LAND.—The land referred to in subsection (b) consists of land 

managed by the Bureau of Land Management described on the Map as ‘‘Las Vegas 

Job Creation Zone’’ (including interests in the land). 

(d) MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this 

Act, the Secretary shall finalize the legal description of the parcel to be conveyed under this section. 

(2) MINOR ERRORS.—The Secretary may correct any minor error in— 

(A) the Map; or 

(B) the legal description. 

(3) AVAILABILITY.—The Map and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land Management. 

(e) USE OF LAND.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Las Vegas may sell any portion of the land described in subsection (c) for nonresidential development. 

(2) METHOD OF SALE.—The sale of land under paragraph (1) shall be carried 

out, after consultation with the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe— 

(A) through a competitive bidding process; and 

(B) for not less than fair market value. 

(3) FAIR MARKET VALUE.—The Secretary shall determine the fair market value 

of the land under paragraph (2)(B) based on an appraisal that is performed in 

accordance with— 

(A) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; 

(B) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices; and 

(C) any other applicable law (including regulations). 

(4) DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS.—The gross proceeds from the sale of land 

under paragraph (1) shall be distributed in accordance with section 4(e) of the 

Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263; 

112 Stat. 2345; 116 Stat. 2007; 117 Stat. 1317; 118 Stat. 2414; 120 Stat. 3045). 

(f) USE OF LAND FOR RECREATION OR OTHER PUBLIC PURPOSES.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—Las Vegas may retain a portion of the land described in 

subsection (c) for public 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.) by providing written notice of the election to the 

Secretary. 

(2) REVOCATION.—If Las Vegas retains land for public recreation or other public purposes under paragraph (1), Las Vegas may— 

(A) revoke that election; and 

(B) sell the land in accordance with subsection (e). 

(g) ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.—Las Vegas shall pay all appraisal costs, survey costs, 

and other administrative costs necessary for the preparation and completion of any 

patents for, and transfers of title to, the land described in subsection (c). 

(h) REVERSION.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—If any parcel of land described in subsection (c) is not conveyed for nonresidential development under this section or reserved for recreation or other public purposes under subsection (f) by the date that is 30 years 

after the date of enactment of this Act, the parcel of land shall, at the discretion 

of the Secretary, revert to the United States. 

(2) INCONSISTENT USE.—If Las Vegas uses any parcel of land described in subsection (c) in a manner that is inconsistent with this section— 

(A) at the discretion of the Secretary, the parcel shall revert to the United 

States; or 

(B) if the Secretary does not make an election under subparagraph (A), 

Las Vegas shall sell the parcel of land in accordance with this section. 


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SEC. 6. EXPANSION OF CONVEYANCE TO LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT. 

Section 703 of the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–282; 116 Stat. 2013) is amended by inserting 

before the period at the end the following: ‘‘and, subject to valid existing rights, the 

parcel of land identified as ‘Las Vegas Police Shooting Range’ on the map entitled 

‘North Las Vegas Valley Overview’ and dated November 5, 2013’’. 

SEC. 7. SPRING MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA WITHDRAWAL. 

Section 8 of the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Act (16 U.S.C. 

460hhh–6) is amended— 

(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘for lands described’’ and inserting ‘‘as provided’’; and 

(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: 

‘‘(b) EXCEPTIONS.— 

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), W1⁄2E1⁄2 and W1⁄2 sec. 27, 

T. 23 S., R. 58 E., Mt. Diablo Meridian is not subject to withdrawal under that 

subsection. 

‘‘(2) EFFECT OF ENTRY UNDER PUBLIC LAND LAWS.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subsection (a), the following are not subject to withdrawal under 

that paragraph: 

‘‘(A) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that qualifies for conveyance under Public Law 97–465 (commonly known as the ‘Small Tracts Act’) 

(16 U.S.C. 521c et seq.), which, notwithstanding section 7 of that Act (16 

U.S.C. 521i), may be conveyed under that Act. 

‘‘(B) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that the Secretary determines to be appropriate for conveyance by exchange for non-Federal land 

within the Recreation Area under authorities generally providing for the exchange of National Forest System land.’’. 

SEC. 8. SOUTHERN NEVADA PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT OF 1998 AMENDMENTS. 

Section 4 of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public 

Law 105–263; 112 Stat. 2344; 116 Stat. 2007) is amended— 

(1) in the first sentence of subsection (a), by striking ‘‘dated October 1, 2002’’ 

and inserting ‘‘dated September 17, 2012’’; and 

(2) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), subject to paragraphs (1) through (3), 

Clark County may convey to a unit of local government or regional governmental entity, without consideration, land located within the Airport Environs 

Overlay District, as identified in the Cooperative Management Agreement described in section 3(3) of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act 

of 1998 (Public Law 105–263; 112 Stat. 2343), if the land is used for a water 

or wastewater treatment facility or any other public purpose consistent with 

uses allowed under the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the ‘Recreation and Public Purposes Act’) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).’’. 

SEC. 9. CONVEYANCE OF LAND TO THE NEVADA SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION. 

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) BOARD OF REGENTS.—The term ‘‘Board of Regents’’ means the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education. 

(2) CAMPUSES.—The term ‘‘Campuses’’ means the Great Basin College, College of Southern Nevada, and University of Las Vegas, Nevada, campuses. 

(3) FEDERAL LAND.—The term ‘‘Federal land’’ means— 

(A) the approximately 40 acres to be conveyed for the College of Southern 

Nevada, identified as ‘‘Parcel to be Conveyed’’, as generally depicted on the 

map entitled ‘‘College of Southern Nevada Land Conveyance’’ and dated 

June 26, 2012; 

(B) the approximately 2,085 acres to be conveyed for the University of 

Nevada, Las Vegas, identified as ‘‘UNLV North Campus’’, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘‘North Las Vegas Valley Overview’’ and dated 

November 5, 2013; and 

(C) the approximately 285 acres to be conveyed for the Great Basin College, identified as ‘‘Parcel to be Conveyed’’, as generally depicted on the 

map entitled ‘‘College of Southern Nevada Land Conveyance’’ and dated 

June 26, 2012. 

(4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior. 

(5) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the State of Nevada. 

(6) SYSTEM.—The term ‘‘System’’ means the Nevada System of Higher Education. 

(b) CONVEYANCES OF FEDERAL LAND TO SYSTEM.— 


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(1) CONVEYANCES.—Notwithstanding section 202 of the Federal Land Policy 

and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) and section 1(c) of the Act of 

June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the ‘‘Recreation and Public Purposes Act’’) 

(43 U.S.C. 869(c)), and subject to all valid existing rights and such terms and 

conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary, the Secretary shall— 

(A) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, convey 

to the System, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the 

United States in and to— 

(i) the Federal land identified on the map entitled ‘‘Great Basin College Land Conveyance’’ and dated June 26, 2012, for the Great Basin 

College; and 

(ii) the Federal land identified on the map entitled ‘‘College of Southern Nevada Land Conveyance’’ and dated June 26, 2012, for the College 

of Southern Nevada, subject to the requirement that, as a precondition 

of the conveyance, the Board of Regents shall, by mutual assent, enter 

into a binding development agreement with the City of Las Vegas 

that— 

(I) provides for the orderly development of the Federal land to be 

conveyed under this subclause; and 

(II) complies with State law; and 

(B) convey to the System, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land identified on the map 

entitled ‘‘North Las Vegas Valley Overview’’ and dated November 5, 2013, 

for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, if the area identified as ‘‘Potential 

Utility Schedule’’ on the map is reserved for use for a potential 400-footwide utility corridor of certain rights-of-way for transportation and public 

utilities. 

(2) CONDITIONS.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—As a condition of the conveyance under paragraph (1), 

the Board of Regents shall agree in writing— 

(i) to pay any administrative costs associated with the conveyance, 

including the costs of any environmental, wildlife, cultural, or historical 

resources studies; 

(ii) to use the Federal land conveyed for educational and recreational 

purposes; 

(iii) to release and indemnify the United States from any claims or 

liabilities that may arise from uses carried out on the Federal land on 

or before the date of enactment of this Act by the United States or any 

person; and 

(iv) to assist the Bureau of Land Management in providing information to the students of the System and the citizens of the State on— 

(I) public land (including the management of public land) in the 

Nation; and 

(II) the role of the Bureau of Land Management in managing, 

preserving, and protecting the public land in the State. 

(B) AGREEMENT WITH NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE.— 

(i) IN GENERAL.—The Federal land conveyed to the System under 

paragraph (1)(B) shall be used in accordance with the agreement entitled the ‘‘Cooperative Interlocal Agreement between the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the 99th Air Base Wing, Nellis Air 

Force Base, Nevada’’ and dated June 19, 2009. 

(ii) MODIFICATIONS.—Any modifications to the agreement described in 

clause (i) or any related master plan shall require the mutual assent 

of the parties to the agreement. 

(iii) LIMITATION.—In no case shall the use of the Federal land conveyed under paragraph (1)(B) compromise the national security mission 

or navigation rights of Nellis Air Force Base. 

(3) USE OF FEDERAL LAND.—The System may use the Federal land conveyed 

under paragraph (1) for any public purposes consistent with uses allowed under 

the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the ‘‘Recreation and Public Purposes Act’’) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.). 

(4) REVERSION.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—If the Federal land or any portion of the Federal land 

conveyed under paragraph (1) ceases to be used for the System, the Federal 

land, or any portion of the Federal land shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the United States. 

(B) UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS.—If the System fails to complete 

the first building or show progression toward development of the University 


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of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on the applicable parcels of Federal land by 

the date that is 50 years after the date of receipt of certification of acceptable remediation of environmental conditions, the parcels of the Federal 

land described in subsection (a)(3)(B) shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the United States. 

(C) COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA.—If the System fails to complete the 

first building or show progression toward development of the College of 

Southern Nevada campus on the applicable parcels of Federal land by the 

date that is 12 years after the date of conveyance of the applicable parcels 

of Federal land to the College of Southern Nevada, the parcels of the Federal land described in subsection (a)(3)(A) shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, revert to the United States. 

SEC. 10. LAND CONVEYANCE FOR SOUTHERN NEVADA SUPPLEMENTAL AIRPORT. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 

(1) flood mitigation infrastructure is critical to the safe and uninterrupted operation of the proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport authorized by 

the Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act (Public Law 106–362; 114 

Stat. 1404); and 

(2) through proper engineering, the land described in this section for flood 

mitigation infrastructure for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport may 

be consistent with the role of the Bureau of Land Management— 

(A) to protect and prevent irreparable damage to— 

(i) important historic, cultural, or scenic values; 

(ii) fish and wildlife resources; or 

(iii) other natural systems or processes; or 

(B) to protect life and safety from natural hazards in the County and 

nearby areas. 

(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) COUNTY.—The term ‘‘County’’ means Clark County, Nevada. 

(2) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map entitled ‘‘Land Conveyance for 

Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport’’ and dated June 26, 2012. 

(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior. 

(c) LAND CONVEYANCE.— 

(1) AUTHORIZATION OF CONVEYANCE.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date described in paragraph (2), subject to valid existing rights and paragraph (3), and notwithstanding the land use planning requirements of sections 202 and 203 of the 

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712, 1713), 

the Secretary shall convey to the County, without consideration, all right, 

title, and interest of the United States in and to the land described in subsection (d), subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be necessary. 

(B) COSTS.—The County shall be responsible for all costs associated with 

the conveyance under subparagraph (A). 

(2) DATE ON WHICH CONVEYANCE MAY BE MADE.—The Secretary shall not 

make the conveyance described in paragraph (1) until the later of the date on 

which the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration has— 

(A) approved an airport layout plan for an airport to be located in the 

Ivanpah Valley; and 

(B) with respect to the construction and operation of an airport on the 

site conveyed to the County pursuant to section 2(a) of the Ivanpah Valley 

Airport Public Lands Transfer Act (Public Law 106–362; 114 Stat. 1404), 

issued a record of decision after the preparation of an environmental impact 

statement or similar analysis required under the National Environmental 

Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). 

(3) RESERVATION OF MINERAL RIGHTS.—In conveying the public land under 

paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve the mineral estate, except for purposes related to flood mitigation (including removal from aggregate flood 

events). 

(4) WITHDRAWAL.—Subject to valid existing rights, the public land to be conveyed under paragraph (1) is withdrawn from— 

(A) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and 

(B) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws. 

(5) USE.—The public land conveyed under paragraph (1) shall be used for the 

development of flood mitigation infrastructure for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport. 

(6) REVERSION AND REENTRY.— 


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(A) IN GENERAL.—If the land conveyed to the County under the Ivanpah 

Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act (Public Law 106–362; 114 Stat. 

1404) reverts to the United States, the land conveyed to the County under 

this section shall revert, at the option of the Secretary, to the United 

States. 

(B) USE OF LAND.—If the Secretary determines that the County is not 

using the land conveyed under this section for a purpose described in paragraph (4), all right, title, and interest of the County in and to the land shall 

revert, at the option of the Secretary, to the United States. 

(d) DESCRIPTION OF LAND.—The land referred to in subsection (c) consists of the 

approximately 2,320 acres of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management 

and described on the Map as the ‘‘Conveyance Area’’. 

(e) MAP AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— (1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this 

Act, the Secretary shall prepare an official legal description and map of the parcel to be conveyed under this section. 

(2) MINOR ERRORS.—The Secretary may correct any minor error in— 

(A) the map prepared under paragraph (1); or 

(B) the legal description. 

(3) AVAILABILITY.—The map prepared under paragraph (1) and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices 

of the Bureau of Land Management. 

SEC. 11. SUNRISE MOUNTAIN INSTANT STUDY AREA RELEASE. 

(a) FINDING.—Congress finds that for the purposes of section 603 of the Federal 

Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1782), the public land in Clark 

County, Nevada, administered by the Bureau of Land Management in the Sunrise 

Mountain Instant Study Area has been adequately studied for wilderness designation. 

(b) RELEASE.—Any public land described in subsection (a) that is not designated 

as wilderness— 

(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 land management plans adopted 

under section 202 of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1712). 

(c) POST RELEASE LAND USE APPROVALS.—Recognizing that the area released 

under subsection (b) presents unique opportunities for the granting of additional 

rights-of-way, including for high voltage transmission facilities, the Secretary of the 

Interior may accommodate multiple applicants within a particular right-of-way. 

SEC. 12. NELLIS DUNES OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION AREA. 

(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 

(1) CITY.—The term ‘‘City’’ means the city of North Las Vegas, Nevada. 

(2) CLARK COUNTY OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION PARK.—The term 

‘‘Clark County Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Park’’ means the approximately 

960 acres of land identified on the Map as ‘‘Clark County Off-Highway Vehicle 

Recreation Park’’. 

(3) COUNTY.—The term ‘‘County’’ means Clark County, Nevada. 

(4) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map entitled ‘‘Nellis Dunes OHV Recreation Area’’ and dated December 17, 2013. 

(5) NELLIS DUNES OFF-HIGHWAY RECREATION AREA.—The term ‘‘Nellis Dunes 

Off-Highway Recreation Area’’ means the approximately 10,035 acres of land 

identified on the Map as ‘‘Nellis Dunes OHV Recreation Area’’. 

(6) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of the Interior. 

(7) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the State of Nevada. 

(b) CONVEYANCE OF FEDERAL LAND TO COUNTY.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this 

Act, the Secretary shall convey to the County, subject to valid existing rights 

and paragraph (2), without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the 

United States in and to the Clark County Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Park. 

(2) RESERVATION OF MINERAL ESTATE.—In conveying the parcels of Federal 

land under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall reserve the mineral estate, except 

for purposes related to flood mitigation (including removal from aggregate flood 

events). 

(3) USE OF CONVEYED LAND.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—The parcels of land conveyed under paragraph (1) may 

be used by the County for any public purposes described in subparagraph 

(B), 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) AUTHORIZED USES.—The land conveyed under paragraph (1)— 


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(i) shall be used by the County— 

(I) to provide a suitable location for the establishment of a centralized off-road vehicle recreation park in the County; 

(II) to provide the public with opportunities for off-road vehicle 

recreation, including a location for races, competitive events, training and other commercial services that directly support a centralized off-road vehicle recreation area and County park; 

(III) to provide a designated area and facilities that would discourage unauthorized use of off-highway vehicles in areas that 

have been identified by the Federal Government, State government, or County government as containing environmentally sensitive land; and 

(ii) shall not be disposed of by the County. 

(C) REVERSION.—If the County ceases to use any parcel of land conveyed 

under paragraph (1) for the purposes described in subparagraph (B)— 

(i) title to the parcel shall revert to the Secretary, at the option of 

the Secretary; and 

(ii) the County shall be responsible for any reclamation necessary to 

revert the parcel to the United States. 

(D) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The Secretary of the Air Force and the County, 

may develop a special management plan for the land conveyed under paragraph (1)— 

(i) to enhance public safety and safe off-highway vehicle recreation 

use in the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area; 

(ii) to ensure compatible development with the mission requirements 

of the Nellis Air Force Base; and 

(iii) to avoid and mitigate known public health risks associated with 

off-highway vehicle use in the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area. 

(4) FUNDING.—Section 4(e)(3) of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263; 112 Stat. 2346; 116 Stat. 2007; 117 Stat. 

1317; 118 Stat. 2414; 120 Stat. 3045) is amended— 

(A) in clause (x) by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting ‘‘;’’; 

(B) by redesignating clause (xi) as (xii); and 

(C) by inserting after clause (x) the following: 

‘‘(xi) the Clark County Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Park; and’’. 

(5) AGREEMENT WITH NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Before the Federal land may be conveyed to the County 

under paragraph (1), the Clark County Board of Commissioners and Nellis 

Air Force Base shall enter into an interlocal agreement for the Federal land 

and the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area— 

(i) to enhance safe off-highway recreation use; and 

(ii) to ensure that development of the Federal land is consistent with 

the long-term mission requirements of Nellis Air Force Base. 

(B) LIMITATION.—The use of the Federal land conveyed under paragraph 

(1) shall not compromise the national security mission of Nellis Air Force 

Base. 

(6) ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—With respect to the conveyance of 

Federal land under paragraph (1), the Secretary may require such additional 

terms and conditions as the Secretary considers to be appropriate to protect the 

interests of the United States. 

(c) DESIGNATION OF NELLIS DUNES OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION AREA.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—The approximately 10,035 acres of land identified on the 

Map as the ‘‘Nellis Dunes OHV Recreation Area’’ shall be known and designated 

as the ‘‘Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area’’. 

(2) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The Secretary may develop a special management 

plan for the Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Recreation Area to enhance the safe use 

of off-highway vehicles for recreational purposes. 

SEC. 13. WITHDRAWAL AND RESERVATION OF LAND FOR NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE EXPANSION. 

(a) WITHDRAWALS.—Section 3011(b) of the Military Lands Withdrawal Act of 1999 

(Public Law 106–65; 113 Stat. 886) is amended— 

(1) in paragraph (4)— 

(A) by striking ‘‘comprise approximately’’ and inserting the following: 

‘‘comprise— 

‘‘(A) approximately’’; 

(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and 

(C) by adding at the end the following: 


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‘‘(B) approximately 710 acres of land in Clark County, Nevada, identified 

as ‘Addition to Nellis Air Force Base’ on the map entitled ‘Nellis Dunes OffHighway Vehicle Recreation Area’ and dated June 26, 2012; and 

‘‘(C) approximately 410 acres of land in Clark County, Nevada, identified 

as ‘Addition to Nellis Air Force Base’ on the map entitled ‘North Las Vegas 

Valley Overview’ and dated November 5, 2013.’’; and 

(2) by adding at the end the following: 

‘‘(6) EXISTING MINERAL MATERIALS CONTRACTS.— 

‘‘(A) APPLICABILITY.—Section 3022 shall not apply to any mineral material resource authorized for sale by the Secretary of the Interior under a 

valid contract for the duration of the contract. 

‘‘(B) ACCESS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the 

Secretary of the Air Force shall allow adequate and reasonable access to 

mineral material resources authorized for sale by the Secretary of the Interior under a valid contract for the duration of the contract.’’. 

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 3022 of the Military Lands Withdrawal 

Act of 1999 (Public Law 106–65; 113 Stat. 897) is amended by striking ‘‘section 

3011(b)(5)(B)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (5)(B) and (6) of section 3011(b)’’. 

SEC. 14. MILITARY OVERFLIGHTS. 

(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that military aircraft testing and training activities 

in the State of Nevada— 

(1) are an important part of the national defense system of the United States; 

and 

(2) are essential in order to secure an enduring and viable national defense 

system for the current and future generations of people of the United States. 

(b) OVERFLIGHTS.—Nothing in this Act restricts or precludes any military overflight, including— 

(1) low-level overflights of military aircraft over the Federal land; 

(2) flight testing and evaluation; and 

(3) the designation or creation of new units of special airspace, or the use or 

establishment of military flight training routes, over— 

(A) the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument established by section 2(c)(1); or 

(B) the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area established by the 

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990 

(16 U.S.C. 460ccc et seq.) (as modified by section 3). 

SEC. 15. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 

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

this Act. 

PURPOSE

The purpose of S. 974, as ordered reported, is to designate the 

Tule Springs National Monument in southern Nevada as a unit of 

the National Park System and provide for certain land conveyances 

in the State of Nevada. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED

Knowledge of the significant paleontological resources of the 

Upper Las Vegas Wash, north of Las Vegas, Nevada dates back to 

early scientific studies conducted in the area in the 1930s. In 2004, 

the Bureau of Land Management identified sensitive biological, cultural, and paleontological resources in the areas during the preparation of the Las Vegas Valley Disposal Boundary Final Environmental Impact Statement, and determined them to be worthy of 

more evaluation for protective status. 

In April of 2010, the Nevada congressional delegation requested 

that the National Park Service conduct a reconnaissance report to 

evaluate the site for inclusion in the National Park System. The 

NPS team conducted a preliminary analysis of Upper Las Vegas 

Wash/Tule Springs resources based on existing documentation, a 

site visit in June 2010, and discussions with local resource experts. 


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Based on this preliminary analysis, the Park Service found the paleontological resources in the area to be of national significance and 

the area to be suitable for inclusion in the national park system. 

The area’s proximity to Las Vegas was also considered as it would 

facilitate access to paleontological resources not commonly found 

among many of the nation’s paleontological state parks and NPS 

sites. 

Scientific excavation and findings in the Las Vegas Wash indicate that the report area contains the most significant late Pleistocene fossil resources in the American southwest. The high level of 

integrity of the fossils of the Las Vegas Formation provides scientists with an unparalleled opportunity for research on paleontological and prehistoric resources. The rare confluence of geologic 

forces in the area provides researchers an opportunity to examine 

how the ancient animals looked, behaved, and interacted with one 

another, and it provides an opportunity to demonstrate and interpret more than 150,000 years of climate change. Portions of the 

area have also been determined to be historically significant and 

are listed in the National Register as the earliest site in the U.S. 

where radiocarbon dating was used. 

Designation of the Upper Las Vegas Wash site as a National 

Monument would protect the unique fossil resources of the area 

and the geological context of those resources for present and future 

generations while allowing for public education and continued scientific research opportunities. 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

S. 974 was introduced by Senators Reid and Heller on May 16, 

2013. The Subcommittee on National Parks held a hearing on S. 

974 on July 31, 2013 (S. Hrg. 113–93). At its business meeting on 

December 19, 2013, S. 974 was ordered reported favorably with an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute. 

Similar legislation, S. 3346, was introduced in the 112th Congress by Senator Reid on June 27, 2012. 

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in 

open business session on December 19, 2013, by a voice vote of a 

quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass S. 974, if 

amended as described herein. Senators Lee and Scott asked to be 

recorded as voting no. 

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT

During its consideration of S. 974, the Committee adopted an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute. The amendment makes 

several clarifying and conforming changes to the bill text, updates 

map and acreage references, and removes the designation of an 

economic support area within the Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area section. 

The amendment is explained in detail in the section-by-section 

analysis, below. 


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SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1 contains the short title, the ‘‘Las Vegas Valley Public 

Land and Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Act of 

2013’’ and a table of contents for the bill. 

Section 2(a) contains Congressional findings relating to the significance of the resources associated with the Tule Springs Fossil 

Beds National Monument (monument). 

Subsection (b) defines key terms used in the section. 

Subsection (c) establishes the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National 

Monument in Nevada, comprising approximately 22,650 acres of 

public land near Las Vegas, to be administered as a unit of the National Park System. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is authorized to acquire lands and interests in land within the boundaries of the monument by purchase, donation, or exchange, except 

that lands owned by the State of Nevada or a political subdivision 

of the State may only be acquired by donation or exchange. The 

land within the monument is withdrawn from the public land laws, 

the mining laws, and the mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, and 

minerals materials laws, subject to valid existing rights. 

The subsection directs the Secretary to credit, on an acre-for-acre 

basis, the land within the monument toward the development of 

additional non-Federal land within Clark County, Nevada through 

an amendment to the Clark County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan. 

Subsection (d)(1) transfers administrative jurisdiction over the 

approximately 22,650 acres of land within the monument from the 

Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service. 

Paragraph (2) directs the Secretary to administer the national 

monument in a manner that conserves, protects, interprets, and 

enhances the resources and values of the monument in accordance 

with this section and the laws generally applicable to units of the 

National Park System, including the National Park Service Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.). 

Paragraph (3) clarifies that the establishment of the monument 

does not create any buffer zones outside of the monument, does not 

preclude disposal or development of public land adjacent to the 

monument, and does not preclude activities on private land outside 

of the monument, if the activity or use is consistent with other applicable law. 

Paragraph (4) states that nothing in this Act alters air or water 

quality standards outside of the monument boundary. 

Paragraph (5) directs the Secretary to prepare a management 

plan to provide for the long-term protection and management of the 

monument. The plan is to be developed within three years after the 

date funds are made available. 

Paragraph (6) directs the Secretary to provide for public interpretation of, and education and scientific research on, the paleontological resources of the monument, with priority given to the onsite 

exhibition and curation of monument resources to the extent practicable. The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the State of Nevada, local governments, non-profit organizations and other appropriate public or private entities to carry 

out this paragraph. 


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Subsection (e) authorizes the Secretary, upon receipt of a complete application from a qualified electric utility, to issue a 400-foot 

wide right-of-way for the construction and maintenance of highvoltage transmission facilities along a designated corridor outside 

the boundary of the monument, so long as the facilities do not conflict with other previously-authorized rights-of-way within the corridor. The subsection also identifies terms and conditions and other 

requirements for use of the transmission facilities. The right-of-way 

will expire 15 years after the date of enactment if construction of 

the transmission facilities has not been started by then, unless the 

Secretary determines it to be in the public interest to continue the 

right-of-way. 

Subsection (f) authorizes the Secretary, upon receipt of one or 

more complete applications from a public water agency, to issue a 

100-foot wide right-of-way for the construction, maintenance, repair, and replacement of a buried water conveyance pipeline and 

associated facilities along a designated corridor within the monument as shown on the referenced map. The subsection also identifies terms and conditions and other requirements for use of the 

right-of-way. 

Subsection (g) establishes the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National 

Monument Advisory Council, consisting of 10 members appointed 

by the Secretary, representing the listed governmental entities and 

other public members. The advisory council is to advise the Secretary with respect to the preparation and implementation of the 

management plan. The advisory council will sunset 6 years after 

the date of enactment of this Act unless an extension is jointly recommended by the Director of the National Park Service and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management. 

Subsection (h) withdraws the Federal land identified on the referenced map from entry under the public land laws; location, entry, 

and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral 

leasing, geothermal leasing, and mineral materials laws. 

Section 3 modifies the boundaries of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to include approximately 1,540 acres of 

land as identified on the referenced map. 

Section 4 directs the Secretary to convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to approximately 645 acres of 

land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to 

the City of North Las Vegas, as depicted on the referenced map. 

The land is to be conveyed without consideration. The City may sell 

any portion of the conveyed land for non-residential development, 

so long as the sale is through a competitive bidding process and for 

not less than fair market value. Any proceeds from the land sale 

are to be distributed in accordance with section 4(e) of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998. 

The City may retain a portion of the conveyed land for public 

recreation or other public purposes consistent with the Recreation 

and Public Purposes Act (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.). If any land is not 

sold for non-residential development in accordance with this section 

or retained for recreation or other public purposes within 30 years 

after the date of enactment, the land shall revert to the United 

States at the discretion of the Secretary. 

Section 5 directs the Secretary to convey all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to approximately 660 acres of 


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land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to 

the City of Las Vegas, as depicted on the referenced map. The authority and use requirements for the conveyance are identical to 

the provisions in section 4 for the City of North Las Vegas. 

Section 6 amends section 703 of the Clark County Conservation 

of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (Public Law 

107–282) to convey approximately 176 acres of BLM land to the 

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, to enlarge a shooting 

range. 

Section 7 amends section 8 of the Spring Mountains National 

Recreation Area Act (16 U.S.C. 460hhh–6) to provide that lands 

within the National Recreation Area which would qualify for conveyance under the Small Tracts Act (16 U.S.C. 521c et seq.) or 

would otherwise be appropriate for exchange under general National Forest System authorities, are not withdrawn from disposal 

under the public land laws. 

Section 8 amends section 4 of the Southern Nevada Public Land 

Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263) to modify the land 

disposal boundary under that Act, as depicted on the referenced 

map. The revised disposal boundary excludes approximately 9,950 

acres of land (which are lands that are included in the national 

monument) and adds approximately 6,795 acres of public land to 

the land disposal boundary. The section also authorizes Clark 

County to convey lands within the Airport Environs Overlay District to units of local government if the land is used for a water or 

wastewater treatment facility or any other purpose consistent with 

the Recreation and Public Purposes Act. 

Section 9 provides for the conveyance of three parcels of public 

land to the Nevada System of Higher Education, without consideration, as depicted on the referenced maps: approximately 40 acres 

to the College of Southern Nevada; approximately 2,085 acres to 

the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for its North Campus; and 

approximately 285 acres to Great Basin College. As a condition of 

the conveyances, the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of 

Higher Education must agree to pay any administrative costs associated with the exchange and agree to use the Federal land for educational and recreational purposes, and to indemnify the United 

States from uses carried out on the conveyed land before the date 

of enactment of this Act. The section also requires that the Federal 

land conveyed under this section for UNLV be used in accordance 

with the referenced agreement between the Board of Regents and 

Nellis Air Force Base. 

Section 10 directs the Secretary to convey to Clark County, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States 

in and to approximately 2,350 acres of public land to be used for 

the development of flood mitigation infrastructure for the Southern 

Nevada Supplemental Airport. The section reserves the mineral estate to the United States and withdraws the land to be conveyed 

from location entry, and patent under the mining laws and from 

operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws. 

Clark County shall be responsible for all costs associated with the 

conveyance. 

Section 11 finds that for purposes of section 603 of the Federal 

Land Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1782(c)), the Sunrise 

Mountain Instant Study Area has been adequately studied for wilVerDate Mar 15 2010 03:32 Jun 05, 2014 Jkt 039010 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\SR178.XXX SR178

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derness designation and is no longer subject to the requirements of 

section 603 to manage the area to maintain its suitability for wilderness. The area shall be managed in accordance with the applicable BLM land use plans. 

Section 12 establishes the Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle 

Recreation Area. 

Subsection (a) defines key terms used in the section. 

Subsection (b) directs the Secretary to convey to Clark County, 

without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United 

States in and to lands identified on the referenced map as the 

Clark County Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Park. The conveyed 

land is to be used by the County to provide for the establishment 

of a centralized off-road vehicle recreation park in the County. If 

the County ceases to use any part of the land for off-road vehicle 

recreation purposes, the land shall revert to the United States, at 

the discretion of the Secretary. 

Subsection (c) designates the approximately 10,035-acre Nellis 

Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area as depicted on the referenced map. 

Section 13 amends section 3011(b) of the Military Lands Withdrawal Act of 1999 (Public Law 106–65) to include approximately 

1,120 acres of public land for Nellis Air Force Base. 

Section 14 clarifies that nothing in this Act restricts or precludes 

military overflights, including low-level overflights of military aircraft over Federal land, flight testing and evaluation, and the designation or creation of new units of special airspace or the use or 

establishment of military flight training routes over the national 

monument or Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. 

Section 15 authorizes the appropriation of such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act. 

COST AND BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS

The following estimate of costs of this measure has been provided 

by the Congressional Budget Office: 

S. 974—Las Vegas Valley Public Land and Tule Springs Fossil 

Beds National Monument Act of 2013 

S. 974 would establish a new national monument in southern 

Nevada. The bill also would require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to convey certain federal lands to nonfederal entities. 

Finally, the bill would modify the way certain parcels of federal 

land are managed. 

Based on information provided by the affected agencies, CBO estimates that implementing the legislation would cost $10 million 

over the 2015–2019 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts. Because enacting S. 974 would reduce offsetting 

receipts, which are treated as reductions in direct spending, payas-you-go procedures apply; however, CBO estimates that the net 

impact on such receipts would be negligible. Enacting the bill 

would not affect revenues. 

S. 974 would establish the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National 

Monument from about 23,000 acres of federal land currently managed by BLM. The bill would transfer administrative jurisdiction 

over the land to the National Park Service (NPS). Based on inforVerDate Mar 15 2010 03:32 Jun 05, 2014 Jkt 039010 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6602 E:\HR\OC\SR178.XXX SR178

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mation provided by NPS, CBO estimates that operating the monument would cost about $2 million annually. 

The bill also would direct BLM to convey several parcels of federal land in Nevada to various public entities at no cost. CBO expects that, under current law, some of those parcels, which total 

less than 6,000 acres, would be conveyed under the Recreation and 

Public Purposes Act, which allows BLM to convey lands to public 

entities for $10 per acre. Therefore, CBO estimates that enacting 

the bill would reduce offsetting receipts; however, we estimate that 

the amount of lost receipts would total less than $60,000. 

Finally, the bill would change the way certain BLM lands are 

managed by expanding a national conservation area, establishing 

a new recreation area, and transferring BLM lands to NPS to be 

included as part of the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument and to the Air Force to expand Nellis Air Force Base. Because CBO expects that the affected lands would not generate receipts over the next 10 years and because those lands are currently 

being managed by the federal government in a manner consistent 

with how they would be managed under the bill, CBO estimates 

that implementing those provisions would have no significant impact on the federal budget. 

S. 974 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates 

as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. 

The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Jeff LaFave and 

Martin von Gnechten. The estimate was approved by Theresa 

Gullo, Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Analysis. 

REGULATORY IMPACT EVALUATION

In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing 

Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following evaluation 

of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in carrying out 

S. 974. 

The bill is not a regulatory measure in the sense of imposing 

Government-established standards or significant economic responsibilities on private individuals and businesses. 

No personal information would be collected in administering the 

program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal privacy. 

Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the enactment of S. 974, as ordered reported. 

CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING

S. 974, as reported, does not contain any congressionally directed 

spending items, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the Standing Rules of the Senate. 

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

The statement for the record provided by Bureau of Land Management for the July 31, 2013, Subcommittee on National Parks 

hearing on S. 974 follows: 


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STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGE- MENT, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, SENATE ENERGY

AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE, SUBCOMMITTEE

ON NATIONAL PARKS

Thank you for inviting the Department of the Interior to 

testify on S. 974, the Las Vegas Valley Public Land and 

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument Act. The Department generally supports S. 974 and would welcome 

the opportunity to work with the Sponsor and Committee 

on modifications to provisions of the bill. 

BACKGROUND

The Las Vegas Valley is home to nearly 2 million people, 

the famous Las Vegas Strip, spectacular desert landscapes, 

and historic, cultural, and paleontological treasures. Balancing the protection of these important natural, cultural, 

and scientific resources with economic development and 

growth is a challenge embraced by Senator Reid and the 

Nevada delegation. Over the last 20 years, a number of 

laws have been enacted to help maintain that balance. 

Among these are: the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act (P.L. 101–621); the 

Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (P.L. 105– 

263); and the Clark County Conservation of Public Land 

and Natural Resources Act (P.L. 107–282), several of 

which are the subject of today’s hearing. 

S. 974

Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument (Section 2) 

S. 974 would designate a new unit of the National Park 

Service (NPS)—the Tule Springs Fossil Beds National 

Monument. This bill would transfer administrative jurisdiction of approximately 22,650 acres of public land from 

the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park 

Service. The bill would establish the Tule Springs Fossil 

Beds National Monument Advisory Commission to provide 

guidance for the management of the Monument. 

The Department supports the establishment of the Tule 

Springs Fossil Beds National Monument and the Advisory 

Council. The NPS does not currently have a park designated specifically to protect and interpret Pleistocene fossils and the creation of this site would comprise the most 

significant Pleistocene paleontological resources in the 

American southwest. However, since a special resource 

study has not been completed, there are many outstanding 

questions regarding the most efficient and effective means 

for managing this area. 

The NPS completed a Reconnaissance Report for the 

Upper Las Vegas Wash/Tule Springs area in June 2010. 

Preliminary findings from this report indicated that the resources in this area appeared to be nationally significant 

and suitable for inclusion in the national park system but 

further study would be needed to compare the resources of 

Tule Springs to other similar areas that represent nationVerDate Mar 15 2010 03:32 Jun 05, 2014 Jkt 039010 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6969 E:\HR\OC\SR178.XXX SR178

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ally significant resources of the late Pleistocene epoch. Preliminary findings also indicated that the area is potentially 

feasible but that the initial determination would greatly 

benefit from a full study of alternatives that would more 

fully examine site issues such as vandalism, unauthorized 

removal of fossils, and ORV use that may affect future options for management and protection of the area. Additionally, the report recommends an analysis of operational 

costs, particularly those associated with an active paleontology management program involving the preparation and 

curation of fossils, such as collection storage equipment, 

materials and supplies, dedicated curation space, and staff 

time to prepare fossils. 

Section 2(d)(5)(B)(IV) directs the NPS to include a travel 

management plan for the national monument that may include existing public transit. Although it is unclear what 

is being proposed by this language, this proposed monument is on the border of the cities of Las Vegas and North 

Las Vegas and transit options for existing residents will be 

taken in account during the planning process. 

Finally, section 2(e) provides for a renewable energy 

transmission corridor to be managed by the Bureau of 

Land Management (BLM) on the north side of the new National Monument. The BLM recommends that this narrow 

strip of land be withdrawn from the mining and mineral 

leasing laws, and that access to these lands be limited to 

administrative uses in order to avoid incompatible activities. 

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Additions 

(Section 3) 

First established by an Act of Congress in 1990, the 

196,000–acre Red Rock Canyon National Conservation 

Area (NCA) is located 17 miles west of the Las Vegas 

Strip. The NCA welcomes over one million visitors annually who are looking to explore the natural wonders beyond the traditional Las Vegas experience. The Red Rock 

Canyon NCA offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, 

horseback riding, biking, and photography. A 13–mile scenic drive provides an up close look at this spectacular 

desert landscape. 

The BLM supports the provisions of S. 974 (Section 3) 

which propose to expand the boundaries of the NCA by approximately 1,540 acres. We would like to work with the 

Sponsor and the Committee on some minor boundary 

modifications to improve manageability of the NCA addition. 

Conveyances to the Cities of North Las Vegas & Las Vegas 

(Sections 4 & 5) 

S. 974 (Sections 4 & 5) provides for the conveyance of 

public lands to the city of North Las Vegas (645 acres) and 

the city of Las Vegas (660 acres) respectively at no cost. 

The lands proposed for conveyance are within the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA) (P.L. 


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105–263) boundary established by Acts of Congress. Under 

these provisions of the bill, the two local governments 

would then be able to sell, lease, or otherwise convey these 

lands at fair market value to third parties. All revenues 

derived from these conveyances would be distributed consistent with direction under SNPLMA as if the conveyances had been undertaken by the BLM under its existing 

authorities. Additionally, the bill would allow these governments to retain some of the lands for uses consistent 

with those allowed under the Recreation and Public Purposes (R&PP) Act, such as for schools, parks and fire stations. All costs related to the initial transfer of land to the 

city governments or from them to third parties would be 

the responsibility of the cities of North Las Vegas and Las 

Vegas. 

SNPLMA identified these lands for disposal, and specified the use of the proceeds from the sale of these lands. 

By transferring the lands to the cities of North Las Vegas 

and Las Vegas, the bill will allow those communities to determine the development of the lands within their boundaries, while requiring fair market value for subsequent 

conveyances. The BLM does not oppose these transfers, 

but recommends amending this section to eliminate the 

leasing option. Such leases are difficult to oversee and 

manage; by only allowing reconveyance by the cities 

through sale or R&PP conveyance, we can better protect 

the integrity of the process. 

Expansion of Police Shooting Range (Section 6) 

The Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (P.L. 107–282) transferred 176 

acres of BLM-managed public land to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for a shooting range. S. 974 

(Section 6) would transfer an additional 80 acres of BLMmanaged lands to the Las Vegas Police Department. 

The BLM supports this conveyance, which will allow the 

Police Department to establish long-range shooting and 

training facilities. We recommend that the legislation 

specify that the transfer will be subject to valid existing 

rights. 

Spring Mountain National Recreation Area Withdrawal 

(Section 7) 

The Department of the Interior defers to the Department of Agriculture on the Spring Mountain National 

Recreation Area provisions of S. 974 (Section 7), which affect lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service. 

SNPLMA Boundary Modification (Section 8) 

The SNPLMA, as amended, was designed to provide for 

the responsible disposal of BLM-managed public land 

within the Las Vegas Valley. Under the Act, funds generated from the sale of these lands are deposited into a 

special account to be expended consistent with the provisions of the Act. Funds from SNPLMA lands sales have 


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been used for a variety of purposes as stipulated by the 

Act, including: acquisition of high value environmentallysensitive lands; establishment of parks, trails, and natural 

areas; creation of new conservation initiatives; and a number of other projects. To date, nearly 45,000 acres have 

been conveyed out of Federal ownership under the provisions of SNPLMA, and approximately 39,500 acres remain 

to be considered for disposal under SNPLMA. 

S. 974 (Section 8) proposes to modify the SNPLMA disposal boundary by removing approximately 9,950 acres of 

public land currently inside the boundary and by adding 

approximately 6,795 acres of public land currently outside 

the boundary, resulting in a net reduction of lands within 

the SNPLMA boundary of approximately 3,158 acres. Total 

public land acres within the SNPLMA boundary would be 

36,890 acres if S. 974 is enacted. The acres proposed for 

removal are lands that S. 974 would transfer (Section 2) 

to the National Park Service for inclusion in the Tule 

Springs Fossil Beds National Monument. The acres proposed for addition to the boundary are primarily on the 

northeast and northwest sides of the Las Vegas Valley, 

and the most significant current uses are for the mining 

of aggregate materials for construction. The BLM supports 

section 8 of S. 974. 

Conveyances to Nevada Colleges & Universities (Section 9) 

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), a subdivision of the State of Nevada, provides for the education 

for over 125,000 students throughout the state at eight different colleges and universities. The NSHE is seeking to 

expand the capacity of three of those schools in southern 

Nevada in order to improve higher education opportunities. 

S. 974 (Section 9) provides for the conveyance of three 

parcels of public land for three of these colleges and universities in southern Nevada at no cost and for uses consistent with those allowed under the Recreation & Public 

Purposes Act (R&PP). All costs associated with the transfers would be paid by the NSHE. The three conveyances 

include approximately 285 acres for the Great Basin College in Pahrump, Nevada, 41 acres for the College of 

Southern Nevada, and 1,886 acres for the University of 

Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). 

The R&PP Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior 

to lease or convey public lands at nominal costs for recreational and public purposes, including for educational facilities. The BLM generally supports appropriate legislative conveyances at no cost if the lands are to be used for 

purposes consistent with the R&PP Act, and if the conveyances have a reversionary clause to enforce this requirement. 

The BLM supports these conveyances for higher education in S. 974 and would like to work with the Sponsor 

and the Committee on minor and technical modifications 

to these provisions. Specifically, we recommend the addiVerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jun 05, 2014 Jkt 039010 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6969 E:\HR\OC\SR178.XXX SR178

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tion of a clause allowing the Secretary to add reasonable 

terms and conditions to the transfer. For example, the 

lands proposed for transfer for the Great Basin College are 

adjacent to the BLM’s Pahrump Fire Station. In the conveyance documents we may want to include building 

height restrictions in areas closest to the helipad to ensure 

safe aerial fire activities. The addition of a ‘‘terms and conditions’’ clause would allow the agency to address this and 

similar situations. 

Ivanpah Airport Conveyance (Section 10) 

The Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act 

(P.L. 106–362) provided for the sale of approximately 5,750 

acres of public land to Clark County for the construction 

of a future airport. The completion of the sale of the land 

and construction of the airport is contingent on a number 

of factors, including approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). S. 974 (Section 10) provides for the 

conveyance, at no cost, of approximately 2,350 acres to the 

east of the proposed airport for flood mitigation projects related to the airport. The land would not be conveyed unless and until the FAA approves the airport project. 

S. 974 also reserves to the Federal government the mineral estate (potentially valuable sand and gravel) of the 

2,350 acres to be conveyed for the airport, except that the 

County may construct flood control facilities and remove 

aggregate following flood events under the bill. The BLM 

supports these provisions. However, provisions providing 

that the County pay all costs associated with this transfer 

and a terms and conditions clause (similar to those in Section 9 of S. 974) should be added to this section as well. 

Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area Release (Section 11) 

The Sunrise Mountain Instant Study Area (ISA) lies to 

the east of Las Vegas. The 9,700-acre area has been managed by the BLM to protect these lands for possible future 

wilderness designation as required by law. Over the last 

decades, and most recently in 2009, the Congress has legislatively released portions of the Sunrise Mountain ISA 

from those protections, but the BLM does not have the 

independent authority to release the remaining acres. 

The BLM supports the provisions of S. 974 (Section 11) 

which would release the entire Sunrise Mountain ISA from 

interim protected status, thereby allowing the consideration of a full range of multiple uses. The Sunrise Mountain ISA does not possess significant wilderness characteristics. Furthermore, it is the assessment of the BLM that 

this area is appropriate for the expansion of high-voltage 

transmission lines, including those for renewable energy 

transmission, as well as a possible interstate natural gas 

and water pipelines. 


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Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV Recreation Area 

(Section 12) 

The Nellis Dunes OHV area is a popular recreation area 

with over 100,000 visits annually. S. 974 (Section 12) 

would promote the further development of this area as a 

destination OHV site. OHV use is a popular and growing 

activity in Nevada and across the West. The BLM welcomes opportunities to support this type of recreation in 

appropriate locations. 

Studies conducted by the UNLV at the request of the 

BLM have indicated that there are high levels of naturally 

occurring arsenic in the Nellis Dunes area. While the area 

is presently open to OHV use, the BLM makes visitors 

aware of these potential health concerns. Currently, the 

UNLV is conducting a health risk assessment of the area 

in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s 

human health risk assessment processes and protocols. 

The BLM expects to receive a completed study by late 

2014, and believes that it is premature to make permanent 

decisions about the Nellis Dunes area prior to receiving 

the final report. Therefore, the BLM recommends deferring 

sections 12(a), (b), and (c) until the final report is available. 

However, if Congress elects to move forward with these 

provisions of S. 974, the BLM recommends a number of 

substantive modifications. The bill (Section 12) allocates 

uses in Nellis Dunes in three parts. First, it establishes a 

BLM-managed Nellis Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area on approximately 10,000 acres of public land. 

Second, it transfers approximately 960 acres of public land 

to Clark County for a more intensively managed OHV 

Recreation Park. Third, it establishes an ‘‘Economic Support Area’’ adjacent to the other two areas. 

The BLM could support the establishment of the Nellis 

Dunes OHV Recreation Area if our safety concerns are appropriately addressed. Likewise, we could support the 

transfer of land to Clark County for an OHV Recreation 

Park if the transfer and management of those lands is 

done consistent with the R&PP Act, and if the transfer addressed issues outlined in our discussion of Section 9 regarding similar no cost conveyances. Finally, the BLM 

does not object to the establishment of an Economic Support Area; however, we strongly urge that these 290 acres 

be sold to the County at fair market value, rather than 

setting up a system of revenue sharing between the County and Federal government for private enterprises on these 

lands. The BLM does not typically participate in commercial activities such as these and we do not believe that it 

would be appropriate in this case. 

The BLM would like to work with the Sponsor and Committee on perfecting these sections of S. 974, provided the 

human health risk assessment determines that establishing an OHV park in this area is appropriate. 


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Expansion of Nellis Air Force Base (Sections 12(d) & 13) 

S. 974 (Sections 12(d) and 13) provides for the expansion 

of Nellis Air Force Base though withdrawal, reservation, 

and transfer of administrative jurisdiction of approximately 1,120 acres of BLM-managed public lands. The Administration supports the future use of these lands by the 

Department of the Air Force for national security purposes. However, these sections permanently transfer administrative jurisdiction over these lands to the Air Force, 

rather than withdrawing them from the public land and 

mining laws and reserving them for the military’s use for 

a specific time period, as is more typical and consistent 

with adjacent military lands. The Administration could 

support these provisions if they were amended to withdraw and reserve the lands for military use, including 

terms and conditions of past legislative withdrawals, and 

if they were subject to valid existing rights. The BLM 

would also like to work with the Sponsor, the Committee, 

and the Department of Defense to ensure appropriate access for several mining companies that have long-term contracts for the use of some lands in this area in a manner 

consistent with the requirements of Nellis Air Force Base. 

Military Overflights (Section 14) 

Section 14 of the bill would address military overflights 

over new units established by the bill. Providing for such 

military overflights requires a careful balancing of conservation and national defense requirements and is highly 

factually specific. The Department of the Interior believes 

it needs to conduct additional discussions with the Department of Defense with regard to the specific circumstances 

of flights over the lands covered by this bill before determining whether legislative guidance is needed and, if so, 

what form that guidance should take. 

CONCLUSION

Thank you for the opportunity to present the Department’s views on S. 974. We look forward to working with 

the sponsor and the Committee to resolve the outstanding 

issues. 

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW

In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the Standing 

Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by the bill S. 

974 as ordered reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is 

printed in italic, existing law in which no change is proposed is 

shown in roman): 


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CLARK COUNTY CONSERVATION OF PUBLIC LAND AND 

NATURAL RESOURCES ACT OF 2002 

PUBLIC LAW 107–282 

AN ACT To establish wilderness areas, promote conservation, improve public land, 

and provide for high quality development in Clark County, Nevada, and for other 

purposes. 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002’’. 

* * * * * * * 

TITLE VII—PUBLIC INTEREST CONVEYANCES 

SEC. 701. DEFINITION OF MAP. 

In this title, the term ‘‘map’’ means the map entitled ‘‘Southern 

Nevada Public Land Management Act’’ and dated October 1, 2002. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 703. CONVEYANCE TO THE LAS VEGAS METROPOLITAN POLICE 

DEPARTMENT. 

The Secretary shall convey to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police 

Department, without consideration, all right, title, and interest 

and, subject to valid existing rights, the parcel of land identified as 

‘‘Las Vegas Police Shooting Range’’ on the map entitled ‘‘North Las 

Vegas Valley Overview’’ and dated November 5, 2013. 

* * * * * * * 

SPRING MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ACT 

(16 U.S.C. 460hhh–6) 

AN ACT To establish the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area in Nevada, 

and for other purposes. 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Spring Mountains National Recreation Area Act’’. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 8. WITHDRAWAL 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to valid existing rights and except øfor 

lands described¿ as provided in subsection (b), all Federal lands 

within the Recreation Area are 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) operation under the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws. 

ø(b) EXCEPTION.—The lands referred to in subsection (a) are described as follows: W1⁄2E1⁄2 and W1⁄2, Sec. 27, T23S, R58E, Mt. Diablo Meridian.¿ 

(b) EXCEPTIONS.— 


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(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), W1⁄2E1⁄2

and W1⁄2 sec. 27, T. 23 S., R. 58 E., Mt. Diablo Meridian is not 

subject to withdrawal under that subsection. 

(2) EFFECT OF ENTRY UNDER PUBLIC LAND LAWS.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subsection (a), the following are not 

subject to withdrawal under that paragraph: 

(A) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that qualifies for conveyance under Public Law 97–465 (commonly 

known as the ‘‘Small Tracts Act’’) (16 U.S.C. 521c et seq.), 

which, notwithstanding section 7 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 

521i), may be conveyed under that Act. 

(B) Any Federal land in the Recreation Area that the Secretary determines to be appropriate for conveyance by exchange for non-Federal land within the Recreation Area 

under authorities generally providing for the exchange of 

National Forest System land. 

* * * * * * * 

SOUTHERN NEVADA PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT ACT 

OF 1998 

PUBLIC LAW 105–263 

AN ACT To provide for the orderly disposal of certain Federal lands in Clark County, Nevada, and to provide for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands 

in the State of Nevada. 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Southern Nevada Public Land 

Management Act of 1998. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 4. DISPOSAL AND EXCHANGE. 

(a) DISPOSAL.—Notwithstanding the land use planning requirements contained in sections 202 and 203 of the Federal Land Policy 

and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1711 and 1712), the Secretary, in accordance with this Act, the Federal Land Policy and 

Management Act of 1976, and other applicable law, and subject to 

valid existing rights, is authorized to dispose of lands within the 

boundary of the area under the jurisdiction of the Director of the 

Bureau of Land Management in Clark County, Nevada, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘‘Southern Nevada Public Land 

Management Act, ødated October 1, 2002¿ dated September 17, 

2012. Such map shall be on file and available for public inspection 

in the offices of the Director and the Las Vegas District of the Bureau of Land Management. 

* * * * * * * 

(e) DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS.— 

* * * * * * * 

(3) AVAILABILITY OF SPECIAL ACCOUNT.— 

(A) IN GENERAL.—Amounts deposited in the special account may be expended by the Secretary for— 

* * * * * * * 


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(x) reimbursement of any costs incurred by the Bureau of Land Management to clear debris from and 

protect land that is— 

(I) located in the disposal boundary described in 

subsection (a)ø; and¿ ; 

(II) reserved for affordable housing; 

(xi) the Clark County Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Park; and 

ø(xi)¿(xii) development and implementation of comprehensive, cost-effective, multijurisdictional hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention plans 

(including sustainable biomass and biofuels energy development and production activities) for the Lake 

Tahoe Basin (to be developed in conjunction with the 

Tahoe Regional Planning Agency), the Carson Range 

in Douglas and Washoe Counties and Carson City in 

the State, and the Spring Mountains in the State, that 

are— 

(I) subject to approval by the Secretary; and 

(II) not more than 10 years in duration; 

* * * * * * * 

(g) AIRPORT ENVIRONS OVERLAY DISTRICT LAND TRANSFER.— 

Upon request of Clark County, Nevada, the Secretary shall transfer to Clark County, Nevada, without consideration, all right, title, 

and interest of the United States in and to the lands identified in 

the Agreement, subject to the following: 

* * * * * * * 

(5) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), subject to paragraphs (1) 

through (3), Clark County may convey to a unit of local government or regional governmental entity, without consideration, 

land located within the Airport Environs Overlay District, as 

identified in the Cooperative Management Agreement described 

in section 3(3) of the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–263; 112 Stat. 2343), if the 

land is used for a water or wastewater treatment facility or any 

other public purpose consistent with uses allowed under the Act 

of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the ‘‘Recreation and Public Purposes Act’’) (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.). 

* * * * * * * 

MILITARY LANDS WITHDRAWAL ACT OF 1999 

PUBLIC LAW 106–65 

AN ACT To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2000 for military activities of 

the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of 

the Department of Energy, to prescribe personnel strengths for such fiscal year 

for the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Defense Authorization 

Act for Fiscal Year 2000’’. 

* * * * * * * 


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TITLE XXX—MILITARY LAND WITHDRAWALS 

SEC. 3001. SHORT TITLE. 

This title may be cited as the ‘‘Military Lands Withdrawal Act 

of 1999’’. 

* * * * * * * 

SUBTITLE A—WITHDRAWALS GENERALLY 

SEC. 3011. WITHDRAWALS. 

* * * * * * * 

(b) NELLIS AIR FORCE RANGE, NEVADA.— 

(1) DEPARTMENT OF AIR FORCE.—Subject to valid existing 

rights and except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the 

public lands described in paragraph (4) are hereby withdrawn 

from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the mining laws and the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws. Such lands are reserved for use by the 

Secretary of the Air Force— 

* * * * * * * 

(4) LAND DESCRIPTION.—The public lands and interests in 

lands withdrawn and reserved by paragraphs (1) and (2) [comprise approximately] (A) approximately 2,919,890 acres of land 

in Clark, Lincoln, and Nye Counties, Nevada, as generally depicted on the map entitled ‘‘Nevada Test and Training Range, 

Proposed Withdrawal Extension’’, dated April 22, 1999, and 

filed in accordance with section 3012; approximately 710 acres 

of land in Clark County, Nevada, identified as ‘‘Addition to 

Nellis Air Force Base’’ on the map entitled ‘‘Nellis Dunes OffHighway Vehicle Recreation Area’’ and dated June 26, 2012; 

and approximately 410 acres of land in Clark County, Nevada, 

identified as ‘‘Addition to Nellis Air Force Base’’ on the map entitled ‘‘North Las Vegas Valley Overview’’ and dated November 

5, 2013. 

* * * * * * * 

(6) EXISTING MINERAL MATERIALS CONTRACTS.— 

(A) APPLICABILITY.—Section 3022 shall not apply to any 

mineral material resource authorized for sale by the Secretary of the Interior under a valid contract for the duration of the contract. 

(B) ACCESS.—Notwithstanding any other provision of 

this subtitle, the Secretary of the Air Force shall allow adequate and reasonable access to mineral material resources 

authorized for sale by the Secretary of the Interior under a 

valid contract for the duration of the contract. 

* * * * * * * 

Æ 


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