Prescott, Arizona – Today at the Yavapai County Courthouse, Secretary of the Interior David L. Barnhart joins Congressman Paul Gosar, La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin, Arizona Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Director Ray Suazo, and other public and private sector representatives. Announced. Approximately 5,900 acres of public land will be transferred to La Paz County in western Arizona.The county has entered into agreements with: 174 Power Global A large-scale solar power facility will be built on 4,000 acres of land with the potential to produce up to 850 megawatts of electricity, making it the largest solar power project in the country.
“President Trump's enactment of the Dingell Act represents the largest public lands policy initiative in a decade.” Secretary Bernhardt said. “Senator McSally and Congressman Gosar played critical roles in its passage, ensuring that essential provisions for Arizona were included for the benefit of our communities and economy.”
“Last year, I led the Senate effort to pass legislation to make this happen and continued to work with BLM to ensure the removal process was carried out as quickly as possible.” said U.S. Sen. Murtha. McSally (R-AZ). “It is great that La Paz County can move forward with its plans to increase solar energy production. I applaud the hard work of the county supervisors, BLM, and stakeholders involved in this innovative economic development initiative. Masu.”
“This land exchange will bring new economic energy to La Paz County, including new renewable energy generation as well as jobs, construction, and community growth. It is these types of projects that will lift us out of the economic downturn and give La Paz and the entire state of Arizona a bright future.” said Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-04). “It was a pleasure to work with Secretary Bernhardt to make this a reality for voters.”
On March 12, 2019, President Donald J. Trump signed S.47 of the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act during a signing ceremony in the Oval Office surrounded by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. . This bill consisted of more than 100 individual bills of his introduced by his 50 senators and several House members. Specifically, in the U.S. Senate, Senator McSally has introduced a bipartisan bill in the form of S. 54, the La Paz County Land Transfer Act of 2019, and in the U.S. House, Representative Paul Gosar has introduced a companion bipartisan bill. submitted. HR304.
The Department of the Interior has supported and worked with members of Congress on many of the individual provisions that make up the package, including the BLM's goal of transferring approximately 5,900 acres of land to La Paz County. Use land for economic development and renewable power generation opportunities. Ultimately, La Paz County said the project would require 800 to 1,000 construction workers and that the facility could generate enough electricity to power more than 300,000 homes. Expect.
BLM Arizona Director Suazo signed and issued a patent granting land ownership in La Paz County.
“BLM fully supports this transportation and what it means for the future of La Paz County.” said Suazo, BLM Arizona Director. “This will allow the county to grow and unlock new economic and recreational opportunities that will benefit the entire state.”
“Our vision is to attract new renewable solar power development to this strategic location to diversify the local economy and create high-wage jobs.” La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin said. “Less than 6% of the land in La Paz County is privately owned. I would like to thank Congressman Gosar, Senators McSally and Sinema, Secretary Bernhardt, and Commissioner Suazo for helping make this happen. This land transfer will increase the tax base. increases, allowing rural counties to better respond to the growing needs of their most vulnerable residents.”
“The Colorado River Indian Tribe is proud to support this project and appreciates our partnership with La Paz County in delivering meaningful economic development while preserving the sacred history tied to this region.” said Dennis Patch, chairman of the Colorado River Indian Tribe. “Now, more than ever, Western Arizona needs sustainable jobs, which is why we are working with BLM to replicate this process and release land to reservations and counties for further economic development opportunities.” I hope I can add it.”
Following the passage of the Dingell Act, Secretary Bernhardt announced the following: Secretary's Order 3374 Enforcement of Public Law 116-9, the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act.. A task force has been established within the Department to ensure that all timelines set forth in the bipartisan public lands bill are met, and the Department continues to implement these requirements on time for the American people. continuing.
Under the Dingell Act, the BLM must exclude portions that contain significant cultural, environmental, wildlife, or recreational resources. The La Paz County land transfer ensures the protection of tribal cultural artifacts by including several provisions to avoid disturbance. BLM documented its analysis of potentially significant resources in an environmental assessment released on December 13, 2019. No significant resources were found requiring exclusion, and a Record of Decision was signed on December 30, 2019, allowing for delivery of the land.
The Dingell Act includes land litigation throughout the West, permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, All children's outdoor programsimproving access to public lands.
