Dispute over land needed for bypass settled

CARSON CITY — A right-of-way dispute over 3 acres of land needed for the Boulder City bypass has been settled for “substantially less” than the last $33 million offer from the landowner, a state transportation official said Monday.

The exact amount was not disclosed to the state Transportation Department Board of Directors because the settlement agreement has not yet been signed.

The owner of the 3 acres needed from the Jericho Heights property had at one time valued the land at more than $100 million.

Agency Director Rudy Malfabon told the board that it was a good move for the agency to hire private attorney Laura Fitzsimmons to represent the state to help minimize the costs of the dispute.

The agreement was reached Thursday in a settlement conference and will not have to go to trial.

The amount of the settlement will be approved by the state Board of Examiners at its meeting in June.

The state initially valued the 3 acres at less than $1 million.

The Transportation Department contract with Fitzsimmons totals $2.7 million.

Contact Capital Bureau reporter Sean Whaley at swhaley@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3900. Follow him on Twitter @seanw801.