Lake Mead powerlines planned

Friday, July 18, 2003 | 10:24 a.m.

The National Park Service is asking for public comment on a proposal to build electrical distribution lines to two entrance stations to Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

The entrance stations from North Las Vegas on Lake Mead Mead Boulevard and from Henderson on Lake Mead Parkway were opened in August 2000 with the intent to utilize alternative power sources, such as solar power. Currently, solar power does not provide adequate power to operate the computers and cooling system, Park Service officials said.

A propane generator is used in summer to provide enough cooling to the buildings.

The Park Service is considering construction of a 3-mile-long power line from a point near Pacific Coast Building Products Inc. to the Lake Mead Boulevard station.

Power to the Lake Mead Parkway entrance station would likely be delivered underground from Henderson following an existing road corridor. Nevada Power Co. is designing both lines.

The Park Service is preparing an environmental assessment to identify and evaluate alternatives, including no action, for the proposal.

The public can send written comments by Aug. 17 to: Superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Attention: Compliance Office, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005.