Southern Nevada is moving forward with its most ambitious infrastructure project in decades: the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport. As of July 25, 2025, The project has entered a critical phase, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) launching a new Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This federally required review, paused since 2010, is now back in motion, and public involvement is at the center of the process.
The Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA) is designed to meet the region’s growing air travel needs. With Harry Reid International Airport nearing its maximum capacity, the SNSA aims to absorb future passenger and cargo growth, support tourism, and create thousands of jobs. The project’s progress is closely watched by local residents, business leaders, environmental advocates, and government officials.
Environmental Impact Statement: A New Beginning
On May 19, 2025, the FAA and BLM issued a Notice of Intent to prepare a new Environmental Impact Statement for the SNSA. This step restarts a process that had been on hold for over a decade. The EIS is a detailed study required by federal law to examine how the airport might affect the environment, including plants, animals, water, air, and nearby communities.
The EIS is now in the public scoping phase. This means the agencies are gathering input from the community, experts, and anyone interested in the project. The goal is to identify what issues should be studied and what concerns need to be addressed. Three public meetings are scheduled for late July 2025:
- July 29, 2025: Virtual public meeting (6–8 p.m.)
- July 30, 2025: East Las Vegas Library, Las Vegas (5–7 p.m.)
- July 31, 2025: Primm Valley Casino Resorts, Primm (6–8 p.m.)
People can also send comments by email to [email protected]. The project’s status is listed as “In Progress – Public Scoping Period” on the BLM National NEPA Register, with the last update on June 23, 2025.
Project Scope: Building a World-Class Airport
The Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport will be built on 5,752 acres in the Ivanpah Valley, about 30 miles south of Las Vegas, between the towns of Jean and Primm. The site sits next to Interstate 15, making it easy to reach from the city and nearby areas.
Key features of the new airport include:
- Two parallel runways:
- RWY 18L-36R: 12,000 feet long and 150 feet wide
- RWY 18R-36L: 15,000 feet long and 200 feet wide
These runways will be among the longest for any civil airport in the United States.
- Central terminal:
- The terminal will have federal inspection services for international arrivals, making it easier for travelers from other countries to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
- The initial design includes 153 gates, allowing for a large number of flights and passengers.
- Support infrastructure:
- Airport traffic control tower, navigational aids, surveillance radar, and modern tracking systems.
- A new interchange on Interstate 15 and changes at Jean to provide direct access to the airport.
- Parking for the public, employees, and rental cars.
- Utilities, drainage, and flood protection systems.
- 2,320 acres set aside for flood control and 17,000 acres as a noise buffer to protect nearby communities.
- Transportation integration:
- The I-15 corridor will be expanded from 6 to 14 lanes, with space for the Brightline West high-speed rail, expected to be completed by 2028.
- Planners are also considering trams, buses, light rail, and a tunnel by the Boring Company to connect the airport with Las Vegas and other destinations.
The estimated cost for the project is between $6 billion and $14 billion. This makes it the largest public works project in Nevada’s history.
Timeline: What Happens Next?
The SNSA project is moving through a series of carefully planned steps. Here’s what the timeline looks like as of July 2025:
- 2025–2028: Environmental review (EIS) in progress, with public scoping, studies, and hearings.
- 2028–2029: Design and permitting, after the EIS is complete and approved.
- 2029: Construction is expected to begin.
- 2035–2037: The airport is targeted to open, with phased operations starting as early as 2035 and full completion by 2037.
FAA and BLM issued Notice of Intent for EIS
Project enters critical phase with EIS launch
Virtual public meeting scheduled
Public meeting at East Las Vegas Library
Public meeting at Primm Valley Casino Resorts
Environmental review (EIS) in progress
Design and permitting phase
Construction expected to begin
Construction will not start before 2029, and the airport’s opening is set for 2037. This long timeline reflects the complexity of building a major airport and the need to address environmental, technical, and community concerns.
Key Stakeholders: Who’s Involved?
Several important groups and officials are leading or closely watching the SNSA project:
- Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA):
The main local agency responsible for the project. Rosemary Vassiliadis, Director of Aviation, has highlighted the airport’s importance for the region’s growth and future. - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
The lead federal agency for the EIS and for planning how the airport will fit into the national airspace system. -
Bureau of Land Management (BLM):
Co-leads the EIS process and manages the federal land where the airport will be built. -
Nevada State Legislature:
In 2023, lawmakers approved the creation of a new commercial town to support the airport, showing strong state-level support. -
Community and environmental groups:
These groups are active in the public comment process, raising questions about wildlife, water use, and other environmental impacts.
Policy Implications: Why the Airport Matters
The main reason for building the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport is to relieve pressure on Harry Reid International Airport. In 2024, Harry Reid served a record 58.4 million passengers and is expected to reach its maximum capacity of 63–65 million by 2030. Without a new airport, Las Vegas could face flight delays, lost tourism, and limits on economic growth.
The SNSA is designed to handle future growth, especially for:
- Charter flights
- Long-haul domestic and international flights
- Cargo and general aviation
The project is expected to support tourism, business travel, and logistics, creating many construction and permanent jobs. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the SNSA could transform Southern Nevada’s economy and help the region stay competitive with other major cities.
Environmental and Community Concerns
The EIS process is meant to address a wide range of environmental and community issues, including:
- Wildlife and habitat:
The Ivanpah Valley is home to endangered species like the desert tortoise and rare wildflowers. Environmental groups want to make sure the airport does not harm these species or their habitats. -
Water use:
Southern Nevada is already facing water shortages. The airport will need to show how it will manage water use and avoid making the problem worse.
- Noise and traffic:
Local residents are concerned about increased noise from planes and more traffic on nearby roads. The project includes a large noise buffer and plans for new roads and public transportation to help reduce these impacts. -
Flooding:
The area is prone to flash floods. The airport’s design includes flood control systems to protect the site and nearby communities.
The public scoping phase allows anyone to raise these and other concerns. The FAA and BLM will study all comments and include them in the EIS.
Transportation and Urban Development
The SNSA will drive major upgrades to transportation in the region. The I-15 expansion and the addition of high-speed rail will make it easier for people to reach the airport and travel between Las Vegas and Southern California. Planners are also looking at other ways to connect the airport, such as trams, buses, and tunnels.
The Nevada State Legislature has approved the creation of a new commercial town near the airport. This could lead to new homes, businesses, and services, changing the landscape of Southern Nevada.
Step-by-Step Process: What to Expect
The SNSA project follows a clear, step-by-step process:
- EIS Public Scoping (2025):
- Public meetings and comment period (July 29–31, 2025)
- Gathering input from the community and stakeholders
- Draft EIS Preparation (2025–2027):
- Detailed environmental studies and analysis of different options
- Planning for ways to reduce or avoid negative impacts
- Public Review of Draft EIS (2027):
- More public hearings and another comment period
- Final EIS and Record of Decision (2028):
- FAA and BLM issue final approvals and set requirements for protecting the environment
- Design, Permitting, and Financing (2028–2029):
- Detailed engineering, choosing contractors, and securing funding
- Construction (2029–2035):
- Building the runways, terminal, roads, and other facilities
- Operational Readiness and Opening (2035–2037):
- Testing systems, hiring staff, and opening the airport in phases
Multiple Perspectives: Support and Concerns
The SNSA project has strong support from aviation and business leaders. They see it as essential for Las Vegas’s continued growth and ability to attract visitors and businesses. Rosemary Vassiliadis, Director of Aviation, has said the airport is “critical for the region’s future.”
Environmental advocates are more cautious. They worry about habitat loss, endangered species, and water use. These groups are active in the EIS process, making sure their voices are heard.
Local residents and community groups have mixed feelings. Some support the economic benefits and job creation, while others worry about noise, traffic, and changes to the area’s character.
Official Resources and How to Get Involved
Anyone interested in the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport can find more information and get involved:
- Project Website:
Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport EIS — Official site for EIS documents, meeting schedules, and public comment submission. -
Clark County Department of Aviation:
SNSA Project Info — Project background, technical details, and updates. -
BLM National NEPA Register:
Project Information Page — Official government resource for project status and documents. -
Public Comments:
Email: [email protected]
These resources offer up-to-date information and ways for the public to share their views.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Southern Nevada?
The next few years are critical for the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport. The EIS process will shape the final design and set rules for protecting the environment. If the project receives final approval by 2028, design and permitting will begin, followed by construction in 2029. The airport is expected to open by 2037.
The SNSA will change how people travel to and from Las Vegas, support new jobs, and help the region grow. At the same time, it faces ongoing questions about its impact on the environment and local communities. The public scoping phase is a key chance for everyone to have a say in the project’s future.
For more details on the Environmental Impact Statement and how to participate, visit the official FAA EIS project page.
As Southern Nevada moves forward, the balance between growth, environmental protection, and community needs will remain at the heart of the conversation. The Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport stands as a major test of how the region plans for its future—one that will affect travelers, workers, businesses, and families for decades to come.
Learn Today
Environmental Impact Statement → A federally mandated study evaluating a project’s potential environmental effects and mitigation strategies.
Federal Aviation Administration → The U.S. agency overseeing civil aviation safety and airport development projects.
Bureau of Land Management → Government agency managing public lands where SNSA construction will occur.
Runways → Designated airport strips where aircraft take off and land, essential for airport capacity.
Public Scoping → Early phase in EIS gathering community input to identify key environmental issues for study.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southern Nevada plans a massive new airport to relieve Harry Reid’s overcrowding. The SNSA aims to create jobs, support tourism, and address environmental concerns through public input and detailed studies.
— By VisaVerge.com
