Robert Broadbent : “New Las Vegas Airport Plans Confirmed”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. “Las Vegas airport expansion plans”
2. “New airport development in Las Vegas”

Las Vegas has been a popular destination for travelers since 1943, and now the Ivanpah Valley is set to alleviate some of the demand with a new airport. The Clark County Department of Aviation selected the southern dry lake bed near the California border as the ideal location for the new airport after considering various factors. The project, known as the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, is moving into the environmental phase with completion planned for 2037. The airport will feature a single terminal and two runways to support commercial, general, and cargo aviation activity. Stay tuned for updates on airline partnerships and final cost estimates.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Since 1943, flights bringing travelers to Las Vegas have landed somewhere in the city’s valley, but now Ivanpah valley will be potentially alleviating some of the demand to help the community soar to new heights.

The Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA) recently held a media briefing to outline the necessity of a second commercial airport for Las Vegas and explain why the southern dry lake bed near the California border was chosen.

**The Selection Process**

James Chrisley, CCDOA senior director, mentioned that back in the 1990s, predecessors began thinking about the need for a second airport. They started with 16 candidate sites and eventually narrowed it down to four potential locations. Apex, Eldorado Valley, Moapa Reservation, and Ivanpah Valley emerged as the best candidates after initial selection.

**Ivanpah Valley Chosen**

Due to airspace constraints from Nellis Air Force base, Moapa Reservation and Apex were eliminated from consideration. In the final evaluation, Ivanpah Valley and Eldorado Valley were compared for user convenience, access routes, availability of land, potential transit connection, and cost of development, with Ivanpah being the preferred choice.

**The Delayed Plans**

Plans for an airport in the southern desert were initially considered after the signing of the Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act of 2000. However, due to economic factors, the plans were postponed. Jim Gibson, Clark County Commissioner, expressed regret that the project did not move forward earlier but commended the groundwork laid for its future development.

**Moving Forward**

The airport project, known as the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, is transitioning from the early planning phase to the environmental phase, with a projected completion date of 2037. While current officials may not be in office when the airport opens, they are dedicated to seeing the project through.

**The Lay of the Land**

The future site of the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport encompasses 6,000 acres, with an additional 17,000 acres reserved for airport compatibility and a transportation and utilities corridor. The site will feature a single terminal and two runways to support commercial, general, and cargo aviation activities.

**Meeting Demand**

Rosemary Vassiliadis, CCDOA director, emphasized the need for relief for Harry Reid International Airport, especially with major international events like the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII. The new airport aims to ensure that the city’s growth is not hindered by airport constraints.

**Future Uncertainties**

While plans for the airport are progressing, details such as which airlines will operate at the SNSA and final costs are yet to be determined. Vassiliadis mentioned that decisions regarding airlines will be made closer to the opening day, and cost estimates are being refined in collaboration with the FAA and BLM.

**Environmental Considerations**

Addressing concerns about water consumption, Marcus Faust, a CCDOA lobbyist, reassured that the airport’s water usage is minimal as water is captured, treated, recycled, and reused efficiently.

**Acknowledging Contributions**

Credit was given to individuals like Manny Ortez and Robert Broadbent, who contributed to the creation of the airport but did not live to see its next stage. Their efforts have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

As plans for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport progress, the community eagerly anticipates the benefits it will bring to Las Vegas and its visitors. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.