Lake Mead (NRA) receives numerous inquiries from wireless telecommunication companies seeking to develop sites within the park to provide cellular phone service. Currently, there are four companies doing business at three existing cell towers located within the park, but demand is increasing. Officials at Lake Mead NRA are proposing to develop a plan to address the park’s future needs.
The proposed wireless telecommunication facility plan would be used to determine the level of wireless coverage appropriate for the park, to identify suitable locations for new facilities, and to develop a strategy for addressing future requests from wireless companies.
Wireless telecommunication companies are required to obtain a right-of-way permit to do business in a national park. In addition, all requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act must be satisfied before any new facilities can be constructed on federal land. Completion of a park-wide plan would help satisfy these requirements and facilitate timely responses to future requests.
An environmental assessment will be prepared to identify and evaluate potential alternatives, including no action, for the proposed plan. Officials at Lake Mead NRA are seeking public input on alternatives, issues, and impacts to be addressed in the environmental assessment. Written comments, which must be received by April 30, 2006, should be sent to: Superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Attention Compliance Office, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, Nevada 89005.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a unit of the National Park Service.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
