WASHINGTON, D.C. – During Tuesday’s debate on the Natural Resources Management Act, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) took to the House Floor to urge Congress to pass the legislation which protects Nevada’s public lands.
Among other items the National Resources Management Act permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which protects, preserves, and develops our nation’s outdoor recreation areas. Nevada has received $40 million for local parks through the LWCF, and another $60 million to bolster federal public lands throughout the state.
In November 2018, Nevada received nearly $1 million from the National Park Service through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, including $318,889 to build park infrastructure for the Ice Age Fossils State Park in Clark County.
Remarks As Prepared For Delivery:
As Representative of Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District, a District that is home to over 50 thousand square miles of geographically diverse land, including several National Monuments and Parks, I am proud to voice my support for the Natural Resources Management Act.
As we’ve heard, this bill permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation fund, an integral conservation program that has provided the state of Nevada with $40 million for investment in local parks, and another $60 million to benefit our public lands.
Moreover, this bill expands access to outdoor recreation opportunities for communities across America.
Outdoor recreation is a vital aspect of Nevada’s economy. In 2017, it supported nearly 90,000 jobs, contributed $4 billion in wages and salaries, and spurred $12 billion of consumer spending in Nevada.
I am proud to vote for this bill to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for the American public, particularly for our underserved communities, many of whom depend on federal funding to develop parks and recreation.
As the 116th Congress continues, I look forward to continuing my efforts to foster conservation and development.