|
Carson
City – Governor Jim Gibbons has created a new special
negotiator position to represent Nevada in negotiations with the
State of Utah over Colorado River issues and has appointed
former Colorado River Commission (CRC) Chairman Richard Bunker
to fill that position. The governor appointed George F. Ogilvie
III to replace Bunker on the Commission and named former Vice
Chairman Jacob Bingham the CRC’s new chairman.
The
Colorado River Commission acquires, manages and protects
Nevada’s water and hydroelectric power resources from the
Colorado River. Six other states and the federal government
share the management of the Colorado River Basin. The CRC is
Nevada’s representative in dealings with those other states and
the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
The
Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of
2004 specifically directs the States of Nevada and Utah to reach
an agreement on the use of water resources before either state
can divert water from any shared basin. Even though the water
originates within the State of Nevada, the Southern Nevada Water
Authority’s plan to bring water from Snake Valley in White Pine
County is contingent upon the agreement.
“Richard Bunker has admirably served Nevadans for 15 years on
the Colorado River Commission. His experience remains
invaluable, especially in the negotiations with Utah, which are
critical to southern Nevada’s future. He has established the
long-term relationships that are so important in water
negotiations, and he is respected in both states,” said
Governor Gibbons.
“I
am happy to continue to lend my efforts to the Commission in a
new capacity,” stated Bunker. “I have been in the
water business here for a quarter century, and I will do my best
on behalf of all Nevadans to make sure we reach a fair
agreement.”
The
governor appointed George F. Ogilvie III to the commissioner
position vacated by Bunker. Ogilvie is managing partner of the
Las Vegas office of the law firm McDonald Carano Wilson. He is
a native Nevadan who is very active in the Las Vegas community.
“George Ogilvie has built a reputation on hard work and dogged
advocacy for the people he represents in court,” said
Governor Gibbons. “He will work just as hard representing
southern Nevadans in dealings with other states.”
“Having been born and raised in Las Vegas and now raising my
own children here, I believe serving on the Colorado River
Commission is about the most worthwhile manner in which I could
serve our State. I believe my skills and background are
well-suited to help forge solutions to the challenges the CRC
faces,” said Ogilvie.
New CRC
Chairman Jacob Bingham has served on the Commission since his
appointment by Governor Bob Miller in 1997. He served 12 years
as a Clark County commissioner and has been involved in water
issues since his appointment by Governor Richard Bryan to the
Deep Carbonate Aquifer Committee.
“Jay Bingham has done an outstanding job on the CRC for a
decade. As chairman, he will assure that the people of southern
Nevada get the continuity of experience they need in handling
important water issues,” said Governor Gibbons.
“I
am honored that Governor Gibbons has entrusted me with the
chairmanship of this important commission,” said
Bingham. “I have lived in southern Nevada my entire life
and this community is very important to me. I am eager to
continue to serve by helping to ensure that we have water for
future generations of Nevadans.” |
