Funds to launch Mountain’s Edge park
The Interior Department on Thursday announced $90 million in funding for continued restoration and scientific studies at Lake Tahoe, with other park and trail projects in Nevada.
The money comes from the sale of federal land around Las Vegas, as authorized by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act.
While Lake Tahoe will receive the largest chunk of money, others areas around Nevada will benefit.
Clark County will receive almost
$8 million in federal money to build the first phase of a regional park in the Mountain's Edge subdivision in the southwest valley.
Nevada's congressional leaders secured the funding to develop 15 acres, which will have open-grass play areas, restrooms, drinking fountains, shade structures, parking areas and 1.5 miles of trails.
Some Mountain's Edge residents have complained about Focus Group, the subdivision's developer, not building all of the parks it promised, including the regional park.
Company executives contend that slumping home sales left them short on the money needed to develop the parks.
"This area does not have enough park space, and the current economic climate prevents us from providing more," said Commissioner Susan Brager in a statement. "This funding is a great start toward turning that situation around."
The regional park will require multiple rounds of funding and will take years to complete, especially in the ailing economy, county officials say.
Future phases will include a recreational center, cultural center, skate park, amphitheater, festival area, sports fields, a playground, more picnic amenities and additional parking.
"That part of the valley has one of the lowest park-to-population ratios, and it's time that changed," Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said in a statement.
Other Clark County projects include $1.2 million for improvements at Kiel Ranch Park, site of one of first homesteads in Southern Nevada, and $6 million for the Old Mill Picnic Area in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area.
Of the total, $34 million is targeted for environmental projects within the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Review-Journal writer Scott Wyland contributed to this report.
