‘Major milestone' in creation of 2nd Las Vegas airport as feds take initial step
In a social media post on X, Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County aviation director, said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are moving forward, issuing a Notice of Intent to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA).
She called it 'a major milestone in our region's aviation future.'
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is ranked as the No. 8 busiest airport in the U.S., just behind Orlando and ahead of Charlotte. Officials have been working for years to address the need, which has focused on the Ivanpah Valley, along Interstate 15 between Las Vegas and the California state line.
'This important step brings us closer to addressing the increasing demand for air travel in one of the nation's fastest growing regions,' according to Vassiliadis's statement, posted on the @LASairport account on X. 'As a second commercial airport, SNSA will add much-needed capacity, improve service reliability, and ensure Southern Nevada continues to thrive as a global destination for business and tourism. We know the crucial role we play in the region, and SNSA represents the future of economic vitality for all the communities we service.'
The site could see enormous growth, but questions about water availability and conflicts with endangered species habitat — the desert tortoise — will have to be addressed in the environmental analysis of the project.
'More than 25 years in the making, we thank our federal delegation, the FAA, BLM, Clark County Board of County Commissioners and countless partners who have supported this project. This is a pivotal step for our region, and upon receiving a favorable Record of Decision, we are committed to building an airport that supports the long-term growth of our region,' Vassiliadis said.
Vassiliadis was appointed to her position in 2013.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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