(Washington, D.C.) –U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) released the following statement after the Yerington Land Conveyance and Sustainable Development Act (H.R. 4039) passed the U.S. House of Representatives. In March, Heller introduced companion legislation (S. 2228) in the Senate. This legislation conveys federal land for fair market value to the City of Yerington for responsible mineral development and long-term sustainable planning.

“This legislation is an example of how Congress can act to encourage job growth, and I am pleased the House passed this measure. Mining is the backbone of Nevada’s rural economy and we are fortunate to have resources in our own backyard for economic development. Nevada has led the country in unemployment for the past 32 months, and Congress should focus on every opportunity available to create jobs. Lyon County faces the highest unemployment in the state. This legislation will create hundreds of jobs providing much-needed relief in one of Nevada’s most distressed counties. Every member of the Nevada delegation should support this measure and work to pass it out of Congress,” said Senator Dean Heller.

Bill Summary

• Allows the City of Yerington to partner with Nevada Copper to develop over 10,000 acres of land surrounding the Nevada Copper Pumpkin Hollow project site.
• Land conveyed under this bill would also be used for industrial and renewable energy development, recreation, and open space.
• The bill will create approximately 500 construction jobs by 2013. At full operation in 2015-2016, Pumpkin Hollow is expected to employ nearly 800 people directly.

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