Wednesday, Mar 30 2011 3:39PM
U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign have introduced a bill they say would improve Nevada's rural economy.
U.S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign of Nevada have introduced a bill that would give two parcels of federal land to the state's rural Elko County, a move they say will improve the local economy and provide
housing assistance to the local American Indian community.
If passed, the measure would award 370 aces of land to the Te-Moak Tribe of the Western Shoshane Indians of Nevada. The tribe does not have enough land to accommodate its Elko County colony, whose population has steadily climbed over the last 75 years. The land has been specifically designated for tribal housing and cultural activities.
The bill would also provide 300 acres for the construction of a motorsports racing facility that lawmakers say would strengthen the regional economy. Reid said the land transfers would make a significant difference in the lives of rural Nevadans.
"These two land transfers may seem like small adjustments, but they are vital to job creation and development in Nevada's rural communities," he said.
In a statement, Reid said the initiative is a result of hard work and perseverance on the local level. He and Ensign introduced similar legislation in last year's congress that ultimately did not pass