"A water mining project that’s been a quarter-century in the making took a major step forward last week, when the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recommended approval of a plan for diverting groundwater from three counties in eastern Nevada to Sin City.

Much of it this area is also historic Goshute Indian territory; their present tribal lands are located slightly northeast of Spring Valley. The FEIS states that, “Potential short- and long-term effects to traditional cultural properties, sacred sites, and areas of cultural or religious importance could occur during the construction period.” In a statement released when the project was still in the draft phase, vice-chair of the Goshute Tribal Council, Madeline Greymountain said, “Las Vegas might believe it has hit the jackpot with [this] decision, but the tribe has no intentions of letting this go without more fight. Goshute people are determined to protect the abundant life that exists in Spring Valley. These natural resources are vital to our existence, spiritual balance and well-being.”"

Get the Story:
The Range Blog: Desert solitaire: Las Vegas bets big on rural water (High Country News 8/15)

Also Today:
Water rights deal to be signed at Native American Summit (The Salt Lake Tribune 8/15)

Related Stories:
Goshute Tribes blast BIA and BLM on proposed water pipeline (8/8)
Tribes criticize lack of consultation for water pipeline in Nevada (5/24)