The Federal Aviation Administration and the Bureau of Land Management are holding three public hearings regarding the proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport.
While the airport does not yet have an official name and is more than a decade from operation, officials were able to provide details as to what they were proposing.
Current proposals indicate the airport will feature two parallel runways and a taxiway system, an air traffic control tower and navigational aids for incoming and outgoing aircraft. Other notable plans include a central terminal, a new Interstate-15 interchange with modifications to the existing interstate, airport support facilities, parking areas, utilities and drainage/flood mitigation facilities.
More features and details are to come out as time progresses. Currently, the proposals do not indicate which airlines will operate in the new facility, nor do they indicate what types of flying will occur at the planned airport. Representatives, however, stated they plan to accommodate both passenger and cargo flights.
Estimates from the Clark County Department of Aviation find the Harry Reid International Airport will reach its capacity around 2030; the Supplemental Airport is not expected to come online until 2037. (NVBEX: Feb. 14, May 30)
Potential Difficulties
While the airport has yet to see an abundance of pushback, the Center for Biological Diversity did note that the area is home to two endangered species: the desert tortoise and the white-margined penstemon.
If Clark County is unable to move forward with construction plans, the land will be returned to the BLM. The majority of funding for the airport is expected to stem from federal grants. A cost estimate has yet to be released. (Source)
