Miami, Florida-based lobbying firm Akerman LLP will continue representing Nye County in federal lobbying activities after county commissioners voted to continue the contract with the firm.
At the Dec. 20 meeting, commissioners approved a six-month contract for $30,000 to be funded from the contingency fund. The contract will be effective from Jan. 1 through June 30.
Officials said Akerman has been representing Nye County for many years. The firm’s previous contract expired in July.
“Akerman gives us monthly reports, they know all the players, they know how to keep this thing moving,” Commissioner Dan Schinhofen said.
“In my opinion, any success realized by Nye County in the conversations that take place in Washington have, for the most part, been due to the efforts of Akerman,” Commissioner Lorinda Wichman said.
The county was unable to continue its contract with the firm in the last few years. However, Wichman said the firm had never discontinued its advocacy for Nye County.
“With the recent change in the administration, representation is essential once again, especially with regard to the future of Yucca Mountain,” Wichman said.
Under the direction of the county, Akerman will perform all federal representational lobbying matters including Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service lands issues, Nuclear Waste Policy issues, the Nevada National Security Site cleanup issues, all federal appropriations, flood control projects, highway and infrastructure funding, land transfers legislation, and other federal projects as assigned by the county.
Additionally, the firm will assist the county with securing funding of Payment in Lieu of Taxes. Officials said the now retired Sen. Harry Reid has been instrumental to the county in obtaining the necessary funds in the past, and Nye County will rely on the firm’s assistance for securing those funds in Reid’s absence.
According to the documents, Akerman shall be responsible for preparing and filing all lobbying reports required by Congress and will assist the county with preparing any lobbying disclosure forms required by federal agencies.
The firm will also provide monthly activity reports, as well as notification of any relevant legislative developments, according to the documents.
Akerman professionals will visit the county at least once a year for consultations.
Nye County currently has $120,000 in the contingency fund.
Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com.
On Twitter: @dariasokolova77