As A Member Of The Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Rosen Helped Secure In Defense Bill A Balanced Compromise For Fallon Range Training Complex Modernization That Includes Her Lander County Lands Bill And Key Tribal Priorities
WASHINGTON DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee who helped author the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, announced that the annual defense package will include the Nevada Congressional Delegation’s compromise proposal to modernize the Fallon Range Training Complex at Naval Air Station Fallon, the U.S. Navy’s top legislative priority. This compromise also includes Senator Rosen’s Lander County Land Management and Conservation Act, which will transfer land to Lander County to improve airports, allow access to water infrastructure, increase recreation and outdoor tourism opportunities, and support economic development, while also designating over 14,000 acres of new wilderness.
The Fallon compromise includes key mitigations for local and Tribal governments, including permanently protecting over half a million acres of public lands; managing and protecting Tribal and cultural resources; continued access for Tribes, sportsmen, and the public; requiring consultation by the Navy; and providing additional land to Churchill County for economic development and public purposes. In addition, this compromise would resolve the Walker River Paiute Tribe’s claims for the contamination and loss of land on their reservation, providing the Tribe with $20 million and over 8,000 acres in trust land. As part of the compromise, the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe will acquire $20 million to develop and construct a Numu Newe cultural center to sustain the knowledge and culture of local Tribes, as well as 10,000 acres in trust land.
“After years of negotiations, this landmark achievement will provide our Naval aviators with the training environment they need to meet our national security threats, while also providing necessary mitigations and protections for local governments, Tribes, and public lands,” dijo el Senador Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped bring all stakeholders to the table to put together a balanced deal to support our military while also increasing our conservation efforts, promoting economic development, and addressing Tribal and local government needs. This legislation will also allow Lander County to improve its transportation and water infrastructure, support public parks and tourism opportunities, and protect wilderness areas.”
“The inclusion of Nevada’s plan for the Fallon Naval Air Station expansion in the National Defense Authorization reflects the best in bipartisan collaboration between the Nevada Congressional delegation, the United States Navy, the Department of Interior, the Walker River Paiute Tribe, the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe, Churchill County, conservation advocates, sportsmen and many, many other Nevadans,” said Governor Steve Sisolak. “I salute Congressman Amodei and Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen for their hard work on the frontlines and behind the scenes to deliver this great win for the Silver State.”
“The Fallon Range Training Complex is the Navy’s premier training environment and vital to ensuring tactical aviation readiness and improved ground forces training that can meet the demands of today and the threats of tomorrow,” said Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy. “This critical legislation enhances our Nation’s security by allowing our Carrier Air Wings and Naval Special Warfare Teams to train in a more realistic environment and better prepare for strategic competition. I am grateful to Congressional leadership, especially Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV), and the tribal stakeholders, local and state government leaders, and the people of Nevada who worked together to support this modernization for our Navy and our Nation.”
“As the current national security environment demonstrates, the need to modernize the Fallon Range Training Complex has never been more urgent,” said Capt. Shane Tanner, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Fallon. “I am grateful for the support and cooperation that we have enjoyed, working alongside the Nevada Congressional Delegation, Churchill County, the city of Fallon, our local Native American Tribal Councils, and the numerous state and federal agencies that have each been critical to advancing this multi-year effort. Naval Air Station Fallon remains committed to working with all stakeholders as we implement congressional legislation over the next several years.”
“We appreciate all the effort Senator Rosen has made to address our concerns about the expansion of Naval Air Station Fallon in the National Defense Authorization Act,” said Cathi Williams-Tuni, Chairwoman of the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe. “Over the years, she listened to our concerns and did her best to protect our interests. While we can never support the bombing of our ancestral lands and sacred sites, the NDAA now includes provisions designed to avoid or lesson the impacts on our sacred sites that we expect the Navy will honor, as well as other provisions that will protect lands and help us maintain our way of life and identity for future generations of the Numu Newe people.”
“I applaud Senator Rosen’s tireless commitment to resolve this historic, legacy issue,” said Amber Torres, Chairman of the Walker River Paiute Tribe. “Senator Rosen and her team were great partners in achieving this landmark legislation that ensures protection of our sacred lands, fair compensation for our losses, and new economic development opportunities. We look forward to entering the next chapter together to build a prosperous and healthy future for the Walker River Paiute people.”
“Lander County thanks Senator Rosen and her team for their dedication to thoughtful public use of Nevada’s precious lands,” said Bartolo Ramos, Lander County Manager. “We look forward to full passage of the legislation.”
“I thank Senator Rosen for her steadfast leadership in bringing about a balanced compromise that supports our national security, helps the City of Fallon grow economically, and protects Tribal interests,” said Ken Tedford, Mayor of the City of Fallon. “Senator Rosen’s collaboration with the Nevada delegation and local stakeholders, including Fallon and Churchill County, has brought about a fair resolution that will benefit our community for years to come.”
“The Silver State should be proud that when Churchill County’s future was challenged by the Navy’s proposed expansion, Nevadans stood together, worked together, and created an exciting plan for the future. Over time, Governors Sandoval and Sisolak, Congressman Amodei, Senator Cortez Masto, and Senator Rosen fought shoulder to shoulder with Churchill County to ensure the prosperous future we see for the County,” said Pete Olsen, Churchill County Chairman. “When this bill becomes law, we will commence a new chapter focused on ensuring that Congressional intent translates into real world progress. Churchill County looks forward to continuing its strong relationship with the Navy in support of their important mission and partnering with Nevada’s Congressional delegation to ensure the Administration’s implementation accounts for the realities of day-to-day life in Northern Nevada.”
“We are grateful for Senator Jacky Rosen’s work in ensuring community engagement and compromise on complex Nevada issues within this year’s NDAA,” said Jocelyn Torres, Nevada-based Senior Conservation Director of the Conservation Lands Foundation. “We look forward to the passage of the proposal and the new Wilderness and National Conservation Area additions to the National Conservation Lands.”
Senator Rosen’s office has worked with a diverse list of local stakeholders for years to ensure all sides are represented in this Fallon training range compromise. These include meetings with local governments, Tribal leaders, environmental and conservation organizations, ranchers, land users, and Navy officials, as well as numerous visits by Senator Rosen and her staff. Last year, Senator Rosen’s Lander County Land Management and Conservation Act received a hearing in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, & Mining.
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