LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Las Vegas Spaceport has reached a milestone in its development.
On Wednesday, the Clark County Commission unanimously approved construction permits for the Las Vegas Executive Airport, a first step toward the eventual construction of the Spaceport. According to a media release, the project includes a runway, a taxiway, a private jet terminal and hangers.
The estimated cost for phase one is $30 million. Situated 15 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip by helicopter, the Las Vegas Executive Airport is poised to become “a cornerstone of innovation and exploration in Southern Nevada,” according to developers.
Led by developer and CEO Robert Lauer, the airport represents the inaugural step towards the realization of the ambitious Las Vegas Spaceport project, which plans to function as a hub for commercial and private space tourism.
“With a focus on accessibility and inclusivity, the spaceport will offer a range of services, including civilian space flight acclimation training, hangar space for space vehicles, and a post-high school STEM Academy equipped with advanced flight simulators.”
Las Vegas Spaceport, May 9
Lauer expressed his enthusiasm for the commission’s decision, stating, “We are thrilled with this week’s unanimous decision by the commission. Additionally, we are grateful for the visionary leadership of the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Rosemary Vassiliadis at the Department of Aviation, and other important stakeholders, including the FAA. While we understand this will be a very long process, the development of the Las Vegas Executive Airport marks a notable step forward in realizing the dream of the Las Vegas Spaceport.”
Plans for the spaceport include a hotel, passenger terminal, and rooftop observation deck and restaurant, aiming to redefine the visitor experience and attract millions of tourists annually. Groundbreaking for the Las Vegas Executive Airport is expected to begin in three months.
On Thursday evening, a spokesperson for Clark County clarified to FOX5 that the commission only approved an airstrip during its Wednesday vote.
“The Clark County Commission approved an airstrip on Wednesday; it did not approve a spaceport,” the spokesperson said. “During the discussion of the item, staff noted that any use of the property other than an airstrip would require a new land use application. The words ‘spacecraft’ and ‘spaceport’ were removed from the conditions because the application was only for an airstrip.”
Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.