57 



During this Congress, however, we have time on our side, and I 

 believe we can work together to develop water language that ade- 

 quately protects all interests. 



Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill for Nevada. It is a demonstra- 

 tion of the power of the people and has the full support of the 

 Nevada delegation as well as that of the governor. 



I hope this Committee will act favorably on this measure. 



I would now like to take just a minute and express my support 

 for S. 854, the Nevada-Florida Land Exchange Act. This bill will 

 authorize private wetlands in Florida, owned by Aerojet General 

 Corporation, to be exchanged for public lands of equal value in 

 Nevada, which are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. 

 The companion legislation in the House is co-sponsored by Con- 

 gressman Bilbray of Nevada, as well as Congressman Fascell of 

 Florida, whose district is impacted by this exchange. 



This legislation is beneficial to both Nevada and florida. It will 

 allow Aerojet to acquire about 42,800 acres of land in Lincoln and 

 Clark Counties to construct a new facility to test rocket motors, 

 which will generate hundreds of jobs in an economically-depressed 

 area. There will be some people from Nevada who will be testifying 

 about the economic situation in Lincoln County, as well as some of 

 the other counties. 



It also provides for Aerojet to acquire approximately 8,900 acres 

 in Mineral County to expand current operations. 



This exchange will return public rangeland to the tax rolls of the 

 State and give a much needed economic boost to Nevada. 



This bill gives the South Florida Water Management District the 

 opportunity to acquire approximately 4,650 acres of wetlands which 

 it has been hoping for for some time, which are similar and contig- 

 uous to the Everglades National Park, and will be managed for 

 conservation purposes. 



The delegation has worked closely with Aerojet to insure that 

 adequate controls are implemented to protect the environment and 

 the desert habitat in the area. 



An example of this is the approximately 17,000 acres that Aero- 

 jet has set aside as a deed restriction and dedicated as a tortoise 

 preserve for the protection of the desert tortoise. Negotiations have 

 also taken place with the State Department of Conservation and 

 Natural Resources for any water permits and waste disposal per- 

 mits that might be issued. 



The State standards are high, and damage to State resources will 

 not be permitted. 



This is also a good bill for Nevada and has the support of the 

 entire delegation, as well as the governor. The bottom line is jobs 

 and economic diversification, two things that are extremely impor- 

 tant to our State. 



I support this bill and urge its rapid passage. 



I thank you again for allowing me to testify, and I would be 

 happy to answer any questions that you might have. 



Senator Hecht. Thank you very much. I appreciate your testimo- 

 ny and I appreciate your interest. 



I am happy our delegation is all together. 



Mrs. Vucanovich. We are. 



Senator Hecht. Thank you again. 



