McCarran International Airport is currently the sixth largest airport in North America in terms of airline passengers and the number of passengers is expected to increase dramatically over the next 20 years. As more people use the airport, the number of aircraft operations in and out of the Las Vegas Valley will also increase. Additional aircraft operations may lead to additional noise in communities surrounding the airport. 

The Clark County Department of Aviation (Department of Aviation) is conducting an update to the 1994 McCarran International Airport Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study to address exiting and future noise generated by aircraft operations at the airport. The FAR Part 150 Study Update will identify recommendations and measures aimed at reducing the level of aircraft noise in the airport vicinity. Preparation of the FAR Part 150 Study Update is not mandatory; however, by conducting the study the Department of Aviation will become eligible to receive funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement the study’s recommendations.

The Department of Aviation is encouraging public involvement throughout the study, therefore, has convened a public working group to advise the project team as the study is developed. The working group includes representatives from the County and local cities, residents from communities surrounding the airport, land use planners, airlines, businesses, the FAA and developers. The public working group will participate in up to 10 meetings over the next year. A meeting schedule is available on the project Web site, www.mccarrannoisestudy.com. In addition to the public working group meeting schedule, the project Web site contains study background information, a project schedule and a link to contact the project team or provide comments. 

Additional public involvement opportunities include three public open houses scheduled for later this year and into 2006. The open houses will include guided displays that will provide information about aircraft noise, the Study process and recommendations and findings. Community members will be invited to interact directly with the project team, ask questions and provide comments, while receiving the latest study updates. The first open house will be held in August, please check the project Web site for date, time and location information.

The study is expected to be completed and presented to the Clark County Board of County Commissioners in June 2006. For more information please visit the project Web site, www.mccarrannoisestudy.com, send an e-mail to info@mccarrannoisestudy.com or call the project information line, (702) 437-5634.