The FAA (representing the U.S. Department of Transportation) and the BLM (representing the U.S. Department of the Interior) are operating as Joint Lead Agencies (JLA) for the preparation of the required evaluation under NEPA.
The proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA) is the subject of a United States Congressional Act (H.R.1695 – Ivanpah Valley Airport Public Lands Transfer Act of 2000 [Public Law 106-362]), which requires the preparation of a joint EIS “with respect to initial planning and construction” that evaluates and addresses any potential impacts to the Mojave National Preserve, prior to construction of an airport facility and related infrastructure on the proposed site.
In addition, the BLM would convey approximately 17,000 acres of Federally managed land per Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-282), and 2,320 acres of Federally managed lands would be conveyed for flood mitigation infrastructure National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 (Public Law 113-291).
Clark County, Nevada owns and operates several airports in the Las Vegas area, including Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Clark County is the Airport Sponsor for the proposed SNSA. In that role, Clark County prepared a feasibility study and other planning documentation to support the need for the proposed SNSA. If approved, Clark County would own and operate the proposed SNSA, as well as continue to operate LAS.
