Election 2002: Boulder City questions

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002 | 11:32 a.m.

Boulder City may not have the smog problem of its glitzy neighbor to the north, but its residents say lately that too much dust is blowing into town from El Dorado Valley.

Proponents of advisory Question 1 say that a proposed 50-acre motocross park traveled by high-revving motorbikes could help dampen dust in the valley, about 12 miles southwest of downtown. Opponents say the project would increase dust.

The nonbinding question is required by city charter for development in El Dorado Transfer Area, a mostly undeveloped desert of 168 square miles southeast of the McCullough Range along U.S. 95. A lot of the land is designated as a desert tortoise conservation area.

Club MX would build and operate the motocross project in an area clearly visible from downtown.

The dirt racetracks would be watered by trucks and a sprinkler system. The facility would have grassy common areas, landscaping and graveled parking areas.

Club MX, with 1,200 members, operates a similar motocross park at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Members would pay $15 for park entry. Boulder City residents would pay $7.50.

The city estimates that the park lease could bring $137,000 annually. The park is also expected to bring more customers to local businesses.

Opponents say the park would bring too much traffic to U.S. 95, already burdened with increased interstate truck traffic since U.S. 93 closed to trucks in 2001.