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In many of our rural areas, populations are actually declining as young people 

 leave, unable to find opportunities for economic advancement 



Faced with these realities, my administration has developed a strong program 

 of economic development and diversification. We are particularly committed to 

 attracting new firms and developments to our rural areas. 



For more than a year, state agendea have been evaluating this proposal by 

 Atrojet-Oeneral. It would bring Jobs to Nevada, and would put additional lands on our 

 tax rolls. These benefits oould Involve some costs. Aerojet has been cooperating with 

 state agencies in estimating these costs and developing appropriate mitigations. The 

 State Department of WQdlife has analyzed the impacts on wildlife populations and 

 requested a variety of mitigatory measures, including the setting aside of a conservation 

 reserve and the provision of new wildlife watering facilities. The Department of 

 Conservation and Natural Resources will require permits for water use and for disposal 

 of waste materials, and any permits issued will be subject to stringent monitoring and 

 enforcement requirements. State standards are high, and the state will not permit 

 damage to state rMOuroes. 



As these lands move into private ownership and Aerojet proceeds with its plans, 

 the state will eontinue to work elcaely with the company to ensure maximum benefits 

 to the state and its people. 



