County clears way for new terminal

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2000 | 11:06 a.m.

The Clark County Commission gave airport officials permission Tuesday to begin negotiating for more than 300 apartment units and homes along Russell Road to make room for a new McCarran International Airport terminal.

A one-mile stretch of Russell Road between Spencer Street and Paradise Road will be moved north to make way for the new $175 million international terminal expected to be finished by the end of 2006.

Hilarie Grey, spokeswoman for the airport, said Tuesday's action is the beginning of a long process. She said neighborhood meetings have been scheduled to go over residents' options.

"We want to work with them individually and make sure everyone's needs are met," said Grey, who added that road construction likely won't start until 2004.

Along with the residents who will be displaced by the expansion of McCarran, airport officials plan to work with homeowners who will abut Russell Road. Grey said the airport will meet with residents to determine whether they want sound walls or green belts as a buffer to the new airport thoroughfare.

The new eight-gate international terminal will be built adjacent to the D Gates and will include a new baggage and customs area and a new parking garage.

Once the 50-year-old McCarran airport is fully expanded, it is expected to be able to handle 55 million visitors a year -- about 22 million more passengers than it currently accommodates.

Clark County is expecting its visitors rate to only increase in the future. It is planning a second airport in Ivanpah -- about 30 miles west of Las Vegas -- to open in 2010.