County discussion centers on terrorism, nuke waste

Adrienne Packer

Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002 | 9:48 a.m.

Still reeling from the weakening economy caused by the Sept. 11 attacks, Clark County officials learned last week that Yucca Mountain was recommended as a storage site for the nation's nuclear waste.

The two events, potentially devastating to tourism and the Las Vegas Valley's continued growth, dominated an informal "State of the County" discussion Tuesday.

Commissioners took turns discussing their accomplishments of last year and major projects for 2002.

"The economy slowed, but we continue to have rapid growth," Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates said. "Because of the attention and commitment of this board to make sound financial decisions, we're well positioned to weather the economic downturn."

Commissioners will continue with new parks and recreation centers, they plan to add two fire stations and 50 additional Metro officers will be hired.

The county will also proceed with the Las Vegas Beltway, finishing the initial 33 miles of the 53-mile roadway. Frank Sinatra Drive, a frontage road to Interstate 15, should be completed by the end of the year.

Commissioner Bruce Woodbury said construction of Harmon Avenue, which will be extended west over Interstate 15, will also begin this year.

Commissioner Erin Kenny said the county is continuing to make strides to fully comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's air quality standards.

"Everyone knows when they look out the window and see a hazy day, they're not very happy," Kenny said. "But we have turned the corner."

Although the Sept. 11 attacks haven't yet prevented the county from proceeding with projects during the next year, commission Chairman Dario Herrera said it triggered important discussions about diversifying the economy.

"The economy in Southern Nevada immediately felt the impact," Herrera said. "I think Sept. 11 showed us we're far too reliant on tourism dollars."

The board vowed to fight Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham's recommendation to store nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain.

"The fate of the economy, health and security is tied to this," Herrera said.