Government disputes developer’s claim

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Thursday, March 13, 2003 | 11:13 a.m.

The U.S. Interior Department is disputing claims by Lake Las Vegas that it deliberately delayed the proposed $11.9 million sale of land adjacent to the entrance of the Henderson resort community.

Lake Las Vegas sued Wednesday to force the government to consummate an agreement to sell 985 acres for development of high-end homes, businesses and two golf courses.

The sale is part of a two-phase land exchange.

Government spokeswoman Jo Simpson said the deal is on track.

"We agreed to complete the exchange by directly selling the remaining 985 acres of land to Lake Las Vegas, as opposed to doing an exchange because of a large number of issues that complicated and delayed the exchange," she said. "We're now proceeding with getting the new appraisal to determine the fair market value of the land. We believe that we're meeting the intent of Congress to convey these lands to Lake Las Vegas."