OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2000

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/501-4633

INTERIOR SECRETARY TO ANNOUNCE PRIORITY LAND PURCHASES
THROUGH SOUTHERN NEVADA LANDS ACT

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will travel to Nevada on Wednesday, July 5, to join Senators Harry Reid and Richard Bryan in announcing the first land acquisitions from the Southern Nevada Public Management Act of 1998. Also participating will be Bruce Woodbury, Chair of the Clark County Commission, Tom Fry, Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other officials.

The Act allows environmentally sensitive lands to be purchased from willing sellers using proceeds from a fund derived from the auction or exchange of BLM lands within the Las Vegas Valley. The Act allows priority to be given to the acquisition of wetlands and other environmentally significant lands in Clark County.

"I'm glad to be a part of this common-sense partnership between Clark County and the BLM," Babbitt said. "The Act is a credit to Nevada's Congressional delegation, and will assist the Interior Department to protect and conserve environmentally sensitive lands while allowing Clark County the opportunity to better manage its growth."

A short walk will begin at 10:30 a.m., open to media, and will be followed by an announcement of the first land acquisitions and a media availability in the Las Vegas Wash. The BLM will provide transportation for the tour.

WHO: Interior Secretary Babbitt, Senators Reid and Bryan, BLM Director Fry, Clark County Chair Woodbury and others

WHEN: Wednesday, July 5, at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Las Vegas Wash, Clark County

Directions: From the Airport take Swenson Street exit to intersection by UNLV sports center. Turn right (east) on Tropicana. Take Tropicana about 7 miles, past I-95 and Boulder Highway until road changes names to Broadbent and pavement ends. Clark County Public Works employees will provide directions from there to site.

WHY: Announcement of priority land acquisitions funded by Southern Nevada Lands Act through auctions and exchanges of BLM land in Clark County.

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