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the Nation to be met by providing the land for the construction of 

 the test facility in southern Nevada. 



The area in Nevada being considered is almost completely un- 

 populated, and with proper planning will offer minimal impact to 

 the public and the environment. The location of the site with 

 regard to metropolitan Las Vegas is illustrated in Map 1 which I 

 have attached at the end of my testimony. 



Staff also supports S. 854 for the potential economic benefits to 

 southern Nevada. The project is especially important to the citizens 

 of Lincoln County. The project would provide relief for the current 

 economic difficulties being experienced in Lincoln County. 



Likewise, the project will also assist in meeting the economic di- 

 versification needs of Clark County. The Aerojet project would com- 

 plement the defense-related activities currently taking place in 

 southern Nevada. We feel that the passage of the bill is important 

 for the economic health of Nevada. 



Clark County, it should be noted for the record, has a number of 

 environmental and safety concerns associated with the proposed 

 Aerojet General project. 



Among these are the routing and handling of materials employed 

 in the testing of rocket motors, the source and use of water at the 

 site, and the presence of particularly sensitive habitat on the site 

 for the desert tortoise, a threatened species in Nevada. 



We have conveyed these concerns to Aerojet General personnel. 

 To allay our concerns, for example, relative to the transport and 

 handling of hazardous materials, we have noted to Aerojet General 

 of the need to work closely with the Clark County Fire Department 

 to insure that the provisions of the Clark County Hazardous Mate- 

 rials Transportation Act are met, and also to work with the state 

 on their recently-enacted legislation on hazardous materials. 



Because of the preliminary scope of the project, it is difficult to 

 determine the complete range of impacts from the project at this 

 time. We are certain, however, that the concerns expressed by 

 Clark County and local environmental groups can be resolved. 



We are especially gratified that Aerojet General has decided to 

 set aside a number of acres of land as habitat for the desert tor- 

 toise within the project area. This will assist in protecting this im- 

 portant species. 



In our meetings with Aerojet General staff, we have been im- 

 pressed by the sensitivity shown with respect to local problems. 

 Aerojet has also demonstrated an understanding of the issues as 

 documented in the Draft Environmental Assessment Florida- 

 Nevada Land Exchange, produced by the firm. 



The lines of communication between Aerojet and government is 

 southern Nevada have been open and discussions constructive. Aer- 

 ojet General personnel are working closely with county staff to 

 mitigate any potential adverse effects of the project to Clark 

 County. 



We would urge the Subcommittee on Public Lands, National 

 Parks, and Forests to support approval of S. 854. This project is im- 

 portant to the economy of Nevada and to the defense needs of the 

 Nation. 



