LAS VEGAS - The National Park Service has announced the release of an environmental assessment analyzing future non-commercial options for the site now occupied by Lake Mead Lodge. The assessment presents and evaluates alternatives for possible demolition or non-commercial reuse of the Lake Mead Lodge site. Public comment on the assessment is being accepted through May 27.
The lodge had been used prior to 2008, to provide concessioner operated visitor services. However, the National Park Service decided in 2007 to discontinue commercial services at this location, and concessioner operated visitor services at Lake Mead Lodge ceased effective as of Dec. 31, 2008. The National Park Service initially determined that Lake Mead Lodge would be demolished, but after a study was completed determining that the lodge was eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the National Park Service began the process of formally evaluating the impacts of either demolishing the lodging complex or adaptively reusing it for non-commercial purpose.
The environmental assessment evaluates the "no action" alternative and five action alternatives. At this time, the preferred alternative is to find a non-profit organization to rehabilitate the lodge and use it for non-commercial purposes compatible with the National Park Service mission. However, this alternative can be implemented only if a qualified non-profit organization steps forward with both the interest and financial capability to rehabilitate and maintain the site for a non-commercial use authorized by the park service. If no such organization is identified, demolition of Lake Mead Lodge and restoration of the site to a natural condition may be the alternative preferred for implementation.
The National Park Service is soliciting from qualified non-profit organizations proposals for non-commercial use of the site. In order to qualify, an organization must have a mission complementary to the National Park Service (furthering the purposes for which the park was established) as well as the financial capacity to complete the rehabilitation and cover ongoing operational and maintenance costs for a non-commercial use. Organizations with potential interest in using the lodge should contact Gary Warshefski at (702) 293-8920 no later than May 27, 2011. Proposals for commercial operations will not be considered.
The environmental assessment is available for review on the NPS PEPC website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/lake and at area libraries. A copy of the document can also be requested by calling (702) 293-8978. Comments may be submitted electronically via the PEPC website address. Written comments should be submitted to: Lake Mead NRA, Attention: Compliance Office, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005. Comments must be received by May 27, 2011.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
