Reid praises study on economic impact of new national monuments

WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid on Wednesday lauded a study linking $156 million in economic activity to the Basin and Range National Monument and nine other monuments in four states even though figures were not available for those specific sites.

Released by the Small Business Majority, the study focused on economic benefits local businesses enjoy from increased tourism and other activities resulting from designations by President Barack Obama since 2012.

Often the areas are in rural areas, the study stated, adding that some sites have experienced a 500 percent increase in tourism after Obama’s action.

Rhett Buttle, president and managing director of Small Business Majority, said information specific to the Basin and Range National Monument and the other areas was not available.

During a press conference with Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., who spoke of monuments in his home state, Reid emphasized the legacy the presidential actions will leave.

“Too often, we only view land as valuable when it is being developed, mined, drilled or logged,” he said.

“But, as this report shows, we can protect the most magnificent areas of our nation while also providing real opportunities for local economies.”

Reid recalled his initial conversation with the president about the Basin and Range area and the difficulty he had in describing the 704,000 acres — 1,100 square miles — in Lincoln and Nye counties that include desert valleys, mountain ranges and both ancient and modern art.

“It is just stunningly beautiful,” he said, citing the massive sculpture by artist Michael Heizer known as “City.”

According to the study, which was conducted by BBC Research & Consulting, the annual economic benefits for the 10 monuments include $58 million in labor income per year and roughly 1,820 jobs.

Obama’s designation of the Basin and Range National Monument was not welcomed by everyone.

Critics not only saw the presidential action as another effort of control by the federal government but also suggested it could end up hurting the local economy.

When asked about such concerns Wednesday, Reid again dismissed them.

“I don’t know what people are complaining about,” he said, describing the lack of activity in that area since statehood.

Now, Reid said, visitors will be drawn to the area to see Heizer’s work as well as the area’s unique landscape.

He also defended Obama’s action, saying the president had no choice because of the “do-nothing” approach taken by congressional Republicans.

“We need to do more,” Reid said.

Before they both leave office in January, Reid expressed hope that the president will take action on the Gold Butte area and blamed the lack of activity on the Cliven Bundy family.

He referred to the family’s legal issues and added “so maybe we can move forward on that.”

Contact Jim Myers at jmyers@reviewjournal.com or 202-783-1760. Find @myers_dc on Twitter.