BLM Approves Nevada Project Critics Claimed Doomed by Grouse

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Federal land managers have approved the right of way a rural Nevada county needs to replace an aging water tank that critics had argued was a prime example of development doomed by new U.S. protections of the greater sage grouse.

The move comes a week after Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval announced Interior Secretary Sally Jewell had agreed to address a number of concerns about the land use restrictions, including the water tank White Pine County officials say is desperately needed near the Utah line.

Bureau of Land Management spokesman Steve Clutter told The Associated Press agency officials authorized the right of way late Thursday. Construction is expected to begin in July.

Clutter says the deal protects important habitat, consistent with regulations issued in September when Jewell determined the bird doesn't need Endangered Species Act protection in 11 western states