Skip to main content

AMODEI REINTRODUCES NORTHERN NEVADA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CONSERVATION, AND MILITARY MODERNIZATION ACT

September 14, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Amodei (NV-02) today issued the following statement after reintroducing the Northern Nevada Economic Development, Conservation, and Military Modernization Act, which would expand and modernize the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) in Churchill County:
 
“This bill addresses the United States Navy’s warfighter training capability so that it continues to rival that of our adversaries, like China and Russia, while also addressing the needs of surrounding counties, Walker River Paiute Tribe, Washoe Tribe, conservation groups, and sportsmen communities. These needs have been expressed for the past several years, and through dialogue with the affected local governments, I am proud to continue to pursue a solution that gives our servicemembers expanded and modernized training capacity while also looking out for the best interests of Nevadans.”
 
BACKGROUND:
 
The Northern Nevada Economic Development, Conservation, and Military Modernization Act was previously introduced in the 116th Congress as H.R. 6889. This bill seeks to modernize the FRTC by responsibly addressing the gaps between current training capabilities and current and future training requirements, while also paying respect to environmental, tribal, and military concerns. Specifically, the bill:
  • Expands the FRTC Bravo 16, 17, and 20 ranges by approximately 475,291 acres to be used by the Navy for testing and training for aerial bombing, missile firing, and tactical maneuvering;
  • Creates the Dixie Valley Special Management area, approximately 269,572 acres, which will not curtail nor restrict public access;
  • Creates nearly 1 million acres of wilderness and conservation areas designations, conservation areas, and prohibitions on oil and gas leasing – one of the most significant conservation elements in Nevada history;
  • Addresses and seeks to rectify legitimate tribal claims against previous actions of the U.S. Navy;
  • Allows for enhanced economic development for Douglas County, Lander County, Carson City, Pershing County, the City of Fernley, White Pine County, and park and cemetery designations in the City of Sparks; and
  • Creates one of the most comprehensive Tribal and cultural resource programs operated within the Department of Defense, and transfers land into Tribal trust for the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe, Walker River Paiute Tribe, and Washoe Tribe.
 
 
###