North Las Vegas Airport

Back to news 6/2/2010 Stimulus Improves Safety Near North Las Vegas Airport Clark County Department of Aviation and NV Energy remove high-tension power lines adjacent to the state’s second-busiest airport The Clark County Department of Aviation and NV Energy have completed the removal of nearly 2,900 linear feet of high-tension electrical wires and towers located near the North Las Vegas Airport. These power lines and towers, which stood 100-feet-tall along the south side of Carey Avenue between Rancho Drive and Simmons Street, presented a hazard to small aircraft taking off and landing on two of the airport’s busiest runways. The above-ground lines were recently de-energized in favor of new underground lines NV Energy installed in the area beginning in September 2009. The $9 million project to remove the above-ground lines and relocate them underground was largely financed through federal grants, including more than $6 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, and nearly $2.7 million in federal stimulus money through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Department of Aviation contributed approximately $320,000. "I thank the Clark County Department of Aviation for utilizing Recovery Act funds to put Nevadans to work and improve safety for residents and businesses near the North Las Vegas Airport," said Nevada Senator Harry Reid. "Projects like this are why I worked so hard last year to pass the stimulus bill. It provided steady work for nearly three dozen Nevadans and ensured that those who live and work near the airport will be better protected." Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, whose District D includes the North Las Vegas Airport and its environs, has been a longtime advocate for improved safety near the airport. Weekly said the removal of the above-ground lines provides further proof of the county’s ongoing commitment to its citizens and their needs. “Clark County has repeatedly worked to improve conditions at North Las Vegas Airport, both on its own and in conjunction with other interested stakeholders,” Weekly said. “Last fall, a state-appointed task force told the Legislature that removing some of the taller structures near the airport was one of its 13 recommendations for improving safety near this airport. This project demonstrates the county’s willingness to work with other government agencies, as well as the private sector, to work toward solutions to the challenges we jointly face.” “This project has been on our wish list for nearly 10 years, but its launch was postponed until funding became available,” added Clark County Director of Aviation Randall H. Walker. “We’re grateful that our Congressional delegation secured the money needed to complete this long-awaited improvement.” Contact: Chris Jones Public Information Administrator 702-261-5290 Link Text