Indian artifacts delay Hoover bypass

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1999 | 11:10 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- An environmental impact statement looking at potential new routes for the $200 million Hoover Dam bypass road has been delayed an estimated nine months after Indian artifacts were found along the route, state Transportation Director Tom Stephens said today.

The study was due to be completed this past summer but won't be ready until spring 2000. He said Native Americans raised the issue that Sugarloaf Mountain, near the dam, may contain Indian artifacts. "We want to review that and it will take awhile," Stephens said.

In environmental impact statements, Stephens said delays are common when new concerns are raised. Environmental studies consider cultural impacts such as archeological findings in addition to plants and animals that might be harmed.

After the impact statement is completed and the routing approved, it will take two years to design the bypass and construction could start either in 2003 or 2004. Construction will take about three years.

The project is a joint effort of the federal government, Nevada and Arizona. The existing crossing of U.S. 93 over Hoover Dam is a narrow, winding two-lane road with numerous problems, he said. The preferred alternative of the final three alignments of the new project is the "Sugarloaf Alternative" which is about 1,500 feet downstream from the dam.

Stephens said a financial feasibility study is also under way.

So far, he said, the federal government has provided $41 million from its "high priority projects" program. Nevada and Arizona also will receive $15 million in federal money for fiscal 2000.

The bridge across the Colorado River will be one of the most complicated projects in the world, he said.