Project managers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) engaged with the public during a scoping meeting held virtually on Tuesday night regarding the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport’s construction.
The meeting served as the initial platform for public comments, aimed more at ensuring that the joint lead agencies gather comprehensive information needed for environmental reviews rather than fostering debates for or against the airport project.
A presentation lasting 20 minutes provided new insights into the prospective multibillion-dollar project, which is set for completion by 2037.
Despite the turnout of over 100 participants, many opted to refrain from commenting, recognizing that this session was primarily about informing the agencies rather than voicing opinions.
The tone of upcoming meetings might shift, as the FAA and BLM have scheduled a first in-person meeting on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the East Las Vegas Library.
Additionally, a third meeting is planned for Thursday night in Primm.
Prior to the Wednesday session, local environmental and conservation leaders plan to hold a press conference at the East Las Vegas Library to express their opposition to the airport.
Key organizations such as the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club’s Toiyabe Chapter, and Make the Road Nevada will be represented at the event, showcasing the initial organized resistance to the airport project.
The group intends to arrive in vibrant desert wildlife costumes and hold signs conveying their opposition, setting the stage for a visible counterpoint to the federal agencies’ efforts.
During Tuesday’s meeting, David Kessler from the FAA clarified that the scoping sessions primarily serve to confirm that the FAA and BLM are establishing connections with all interested parties before drafting the environmental impact statement and a Resource Management Plan Amendment for the proposed airport.
Kessler announced that the joint agencies are accepting public scoping comments until September 5.
Following this period, the FAA, BLM, the Clark County Department of Aviation, and their consultant, Landrum & Brown Inc. from Cincinnati, will work towards publishing a draft report by June 2027.
Once the draft is available, workshops and public hearings are slated for July 2027.
The agencies plan to revise this report by March 2028, with hopes of securing a favorable final Record of Decision by May 2028.
If granted, Clark County would proceed to design the airport and its related projects.
Throughout the online meeting, Kessler focused on addressing procedural questions and documenting which organizations the FAA and BLM should consult as they shape their plans.
Although the meeting extended for two hours, participants expressed low engagement, with noticeable gaps of silence throughout the latter half.
Kessler emphasized the importance of submitting comments by the deadline on September 5, encouraging attendees to convey their thoughts for consideration.
Comments can be sent via email to [email protected] or mailed directly to relevant contacts at the FAA, BLM, or Landrum & Brown Inc.
For those interested in the project and environmental reviews, this period of public commentary serves as a vital opportunity to influence the upcoming decisions and developments.
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