Nevada counties to receive extra compensation from federal government

CARSON CITY — Nevada counties will receive a little something extra from the federal government to compensate them for federal lands that don't generate tax revenue.

Gov. Brian Sandoval on Wednesday said the counties will receive a combined $1.9 million more in compensation known as "payment in lieu of taxes," bringing the yearly total to about $25 million.

"PILT payments provide local governments with the necessary funds to pay for critical infrastructure needs in cities and towns across Nevada," Sandoval said in a statement. "Additionally it allows local leaders to prepare to meet the demands of our growing communities."

The federal government controls more than 80 percent of Nevada, meaning those lands do not generate property tax revenue for local governments. Funds from the federal government are intended to compensate counties for lands within their jurisdictions that are controlled by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Payments also cover some water projects and military installations.

Nationwide, Congress appropriated $405 million in PILT payments that were made to counties in June. An additional $34 million was included in the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2016 to be dispersed this fall.

In Nevada, Elko County received the most in total payments, $3.42 million, followed by Washoe County at $3.4 million. Clark County was third at $3.3 million.

Contact Sandra Chereb at schereb@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb