Lake Mead Cruises may move

Monday, Jan. 13, 2003 | 8:44 a.m.

As Lake Mead's level continues to drop due to drought conditions, the National Park Service plans to assess the environmental impact of a proposed move of Lake Mead Cruises to deeper water.

Water levels on Lake Mead are at 40-year lows, said William Dickinson, superintendent of the National Park Service's Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

This year lake levels are expected to drop about 20 feet, and if the drought continues, another 10-foot drop is expected in 2004.

Based on current forecasts, Dickinson said, it is estimated that Lake Mead Cruises might have to move from Boulder Basin just north of Lake Mead Marina to another location.

Last fall the Las Vegas Bay Marina had to move its operations to Hemenway Harbor as silt poured into the lake from Las Vegas Wash.

Lake Mead Cruises operates a tour boat service, offering several sight-seeing cruises on several vessels. Its flagship is the Desert Princess, a 125-foot paddlewheel vessel, which offers daily tours to Hoover Dam.

The National Park Service is considering several alternatives, including taking no action; relocating the business within its current cove; and moving operations to another area within Boulder Basin.

Written comments on the proposed move can be submitted through Feb. 8 to: Superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Attn: Environmental Assessment-Lake Mead Cruises, 601 Nevada Highway, Boulder City 89005.