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REVISED: BLM recommends more than $9 million in SNPLMA funding for North Las Vegas
North Las Vegas, Nevada — The City of North Las Vegas is pleased to announce that the Bureau of Land Management, Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, Executive Committee is making a recommendation of $9.4 million in funding to expand two parks in North Las Vegas.
The Southern Nevada Public Management Act (SNPLMA) funding would be used to buy three plots of land to expand Kiel Ranch Historic Park and Craig Ranch Regional Park.
Kiel Ranch Historic Park would double in size, growing by 6.81 acres, with the acquisition of a private lot west of the park. The new space would be used to add playground and recreation equipment, and further restore and protect the historic site.
Craig Ranch Regional Park would expand by almost 26 acres with the acquisition of two lots — 20.57 acres near the northwest corner of the park and 5.34 acres adjacent to the southeast corner of the park. The additional space would be used to build more sports courts and ball fields and to add trails and other park amenities.
“Having three projects funded in one round is unheard of, and we are tremendously grateful that the Bureau of Land Management recognizes all of the progress being made in North Las Vegas,” City Parks Director Cass Palmer said. “These land acquisitions will enable us to continue to meet the needs of our rapidly-growing city and substantially increase recreational options for our residents.”
“The SNPLMA program has been a boon for Nevada, investing billions of dollars into our state economy, bolstering our education system and making life more pleasant for our residents,” North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee said. “I commend Senator Harry Reid for his dedication to this essential program, and I congratulate Director Palmer and Principal Planner Johanna Murphy for their hard work in securing this funding for our community.”
The Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, spearheaded by Senator Reid, became law in October 1998. It allows the Bureau of Land Management to sell public land around the Las Vegas Valley and keep the proceeds local. Revenue derived from sales is split between the state General Education Fund (5 percent), the Southern Nevada Water Authority (10 percent) and a special account available to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior for parks, trails and natural areas; capital improvements; land sales and acquisitions; conservation initiatives and other community projects.
The SNPLMA Executive Committee's recommendation for approval of the projects is being forwarded to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior for final approval, which is expected in December.
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