Bill would give 502 acres to Henderson

WASHINGTON -- The city of Henderson moved one step closer to expanding its property base by 502 acres on Thursday when the Bureau of Land Management said it would have no problems turning over the land.

The land, which is several parcels near the Henderson Executive Airport, could be sold or leased out by the city for commercial or public use under a bill sponsored by Sens. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and John Ensign, R-Nev.

Michael Nedd, BLM assistant director of minerals, realty and resource protection, told the Senate public lands and forests subcommittee that the agency worked with the senators and was supportive of the bill.

As required by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, any proceeds that Henderson gains from leasing or auctioning the property for sale will be deposited in an account maintained by the Secretary of the Interior for use on parks, trails, conservation and capital improvements.

The property most likely will be used for light industry, officials have said.