85°F
weather icon Clear

Cortez Masto tours airport, gets report on improvement projects

U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) toured the Boulder City Airport to discuss federal funding she’s secured to improve infrastructure and safety at the airport.

“From making sure the airport can get the funding it needs, to build a new air traffic control tower, to delivering grants to keep their runways up-to-date, I’ve fought to help the Boulder City Airport make infrastructure upgrades and keep travelers safe,” said Cortez Masto. “The airport is a vital part of Boulder City’s economy and I’ll continue working to make sure they have what they need to support residents and tourists alike.”

Since 2019, Cortez Masto has helped deliver federal grant funding to the Boulder City Airport through government funding legislation for infrastructure improvements, including runway rehabilitation and airport operations. She has also worked to ensure that Boulder City Airport can access a federal program that is providing funding for a new contract tower for air-traffic control.

The secured funding includes a $281,250 share of a nearly $5 million fund that went to 10 Nevada airports funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act that was passed in 2021.

“Our airports provide so many essential services to Nevada’s rural communities, and I’m glad these federal funds I secured will help them make needed updates to support safe operations,” said Cortez Masto when that funding was originally announced. “I’ll continue working to strengthen our rural communities and support their growing economies.”

In April of 2020, the airport received a funding infusion of nearly $2.7 million as a result of the CARES Act, the first of multiple federal grants related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a short meeting with Airport Manager Marissa Adou and City Manager Taylour Tedder prior to touring the airport, Cortez Masto was told that the CARES funding had largely gone to the construction of a new fuel farm. The previous fuel facility, which included underground tanks which were reported to be leaking, was described by Adou as badly in need of replacement. The new tanks will allow the airport to offer jet fuel, a big consideration as huge international events including the upcoming Formula 1 race and the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas are expected to bring significantly-increased international traffic to Boulder City as airports within the Vegas Valley are already at capacity.

Also noted was a recent resurfacing of the primary runway as well as the installation of LED lighting on the runway.

Masto asked about progress on an air control tower and was told that airport staff are currently working with tribal authorities to address concerns about the depth of support footing that would need to be excavated in order to build the tower. Masto was informed that the airport currently does not have a control tower and that avoiding collisions is the responsibility of individual pilots.

Once the studies and plans, including environmental reviews are completed, it is estimated that tower construction would cost $14 million and take about one year to complete.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
Search for Central Market tenant continues

It’s been just short of two months since of a trio of friends, who are also longtime local property and business owners, made an announcement that piqued the interest of many in Boulder City.

About 83% of students feel safe at BC schools

Councilwoman Sherri Jorgensen was full of praise regarding a recent all-schools event at the high school.

Local aid groups get fed grant funding

The city has approved disbursement of almost $255,000 in federally-supplied community development block grant (CDBG) funds to three local entities: the Senior Center, Emergency Aid and Lend A Hand.

Planning commission approves Tract 350 variance request

Toll Brothers bettered their record in front of the planning commission to 2-1 last month when the developer got approval for a variance request related to the width of lots in Tract 350.

Kicking Off the New Year

Boulder City High School held its traditional back-to-school assembly this past Friday. School spirit and enthusiasm filled the gym as classes competed against one another to hold the coveted Spirit Stick. Aside from games, members of the fall sports teams performed to songs.

BC Electric’s Medo makes accusations about e-bike/scooter law

While the great majority of public comment surrounding the issues of unsafe usage — often by juveniles — of e-bikes and electric scooters was firmly on the side of the city “doing something,” not everyone is onboard.

So where does that RDA money come from?

It wasn’t all about donuts or whether super bright pink is an appropriate color for a building in the historic district. In addition to donuts it was about, well, dollars.

King to participate in essay contest

Last week, it was announced that fourth graders throughout the state are invited to participate in an essay contest, with the winner receiving the honor of lighting the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

Really better buy that helmet

With a couple of significant amendments, the city council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance regulating the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in Boulder City. The ordinance passed unanimously Tuesday and will take effect on Sept. 18.