Nevada Sen. Harry Reid's bill to transfer ownership of a cemetery in Jarbidge from the U.S. Forest Service to residents has been approved by the Senate.
"At long last, the citizens of Jarbidge and the people of Elko County will receive title to this historic landmark," Reid said. "Jarbidge Cemetery will now be preserved for future generations."
Reid's legislation, SB 1343, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer the historic cemetery in Jarbidge and an acre of adjoining land from the Forest Service to Elko County. Residents want to establish a permanent trust to maintain the cemetery, but could not do so without owning the land. Enactment of this legislation will finally allow Elko County to establish the trust and protect the site permanently.
"The U.S. Forest Service always opposed transferring this land to Elko County at no cost, but I've said all along that it is not right to make Nevadans pay to protect the graves of their loved ones. Giving this land to Elko County is the right thing to do to honor the families whose loved ones rest in that small cemetery," said Reid.
Since 1915, residents of Jarbidge have buried their loved ones in this small, one-acre plot of Forest Service land. The cemetery represents an important part of Nevada's history because it honors the memory of many early Nevada residents.
A companion measure to Reid's legislation has already passed in the House of Representatives. Senate passage of Reid's bill clears the way for it to go to the president for signature.