Reid has residents’ support for proposed heliport site

Heather Rawlyk

Wednesday, March 17, 2004 | 9:51 a.m.

Not surprisingly, a majority of residents of Henderson's Anthem community appear to be in favor of a bill proposed by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., to try to keep helicopter noise out of the skies near their homes.

The majority of the approximately 1,200 residents who met with Reid on Tuesday night seemed to be thankful that Reid is pushing for the federal government to convey 230 acres near Sloan to Clark County to create a heliport for sightseeing flights that go from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and back.

Reid's bill gives the option of using federal land three miles south of the proposed site.

Reid also is proposing a ban on flights over sensitive cultural and wildlife areas of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.

Reid said if an agreement can be reached, legislation could be passed by Oct. 1.

John Sullivan, CEO of Sundance Helicopters, said that although he would rather maintain his base at McCarran International Airport, he is not against Reid's bill.

"One of the main issues is that the heliport is not so far that we can't continue our business," he said. "Sloan is a little far, but not too far. We wouldn't want to go further."

County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury also commended the proposal to move the heliport to Sloan.

"The solution that the county commissioners approved to designate a site two to three miles south of Sloan is the best possible idea for the site," he said. "It works for the helicopter companies, because it's not so far away. It works for residents because it's just far enough away to not affect them anymore."

Reid said it was difficult to come to a decision that would please everyone concerned.

"We're talking about small businesses, like these helicopter companies, and they provide the highest percentage of jobs and bring in tourism," he said. "On the other hand, we're dealing with people's homes, and I know how important it is to have a home that you want and then have an outside source come in and damage that.

"A lot is at stake here."