Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act: A Balanced Approach to Growth

Moving Clark County Forward
In June 2018, the Clark County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 in favor of the Draft Resolution that urges Congress to advance federal legislation that would expand conservation of public lands and economic development opportunities in Clark County.

In partnership with several local governments and organizations, Clark County drafted federal legislation that embodies the resolution passed by the Board and   moves Clark County forward through pragmatic, science and research based planning that fosters economic growth while preserving the conservation, habitat and species that makes Southern Nevada a sustainable and beautiful  place to live, to work and to explore.

If SNEDCA is enacted by Congress, the legislation will:

• Preserve more than 2 million acres of federal land in Clark County for habitat conservation, recreational use, and cultural preservation
• Facilitate and streamline affordable housing development
• Allow Southern Nevada’s economy to grow and diversify, while conserving its natural resources
• Improve sustainability of the community through long-term land use planning, critical water resource infrastructure, and environmental mitigation.

What's in the Draft Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act?

• Expands the Moapa Band of Paiute lands.
• Facilitates the creation of the Southwest Ridge Park.
• Ensures construction and access to critical flood control facilities to protect Las Vegas neighborhoods.
• Expands the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act disposal boundary.
• Funds billions in parks, recreation, open space and other local and federal conservation and recreation projects.
• Protects fire and police stations, parks and community centers, schools and other local infrastructure in southern Nevada.
• Saves Red Rock National Conservation Area from further development.
• Aids in the acquisition and construction of affordable housing.
• Establishes nine (9) new Special Management Areas, adding more than 350,000 acres to southern Nevada’s conservation portfolio.
• Extends the Clark County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
• Adds more than 1.6 million acres of wilderness in southern Nevada.
• Enables the creation of the City of Mesquite River Park for recreation and watershed protection.
• Creates a Mt. Charleston Public Safety Complex.
• Ensures access to rural water infrastructure.
• Supports the planning and implementation of the Lower Virgin Watershed Plan.
• Creates four (4) new Off-highway Vehicle Recreation Areas.
• Facilitates increased renewable energy transmission.
• Protects water infrastructure.

Why

• Because the community needs a coordinated, well-planned approach to our ever-increasing population, while not sacrificing the natural resources we hold so dear.
• Without a coordinated approach, our quality of life, the sustainability of economy and the conservation our most sensitive natural resources will be threatened. 

Organizations consulted during the development of the Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act?

• Battle Born Progress
• Best in the Desert Racing Association
• Center for Biological Diversity
• City of Henderson
• City of Las Vegas
• City of Mesquite
• City of North Las Vegas
• Clark County Regional Flood Control District
• Clark County School District
• The Conservation Fund
• Conservation Lands Foundation
• Friends of Nevada Wilderness
• Friends of Sloan Canyon
• Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
• Moapa Band of Paiutes
• Motorcycle Racing Association of Nevada
• Mt. Charleston Fire Protection District
• NAIOP – Southern Nevada Chapter
• National Parks Conservation Association
• The Nature Conservancy
• Nevada Conservation League
• NV Energy
• The Pew Charitable Trusts
• Red Rock Audubon Society
• Renewable Energy Industry
• Save Red Rock
• Sierra Club
• Southern Nevada Homebuilders Association
• Southern Nevada Off Road Enthusiasts
• Southern Nevada Water Authority
• The Wilderness Society

What's Next?
The proposed lands bill must be approved by both chambers of the U.S. Congress.