Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada is just one of a chorus voicing concern over potential plans to develop the Upper Las Vegas Wash, reports the Las Vegas Sun. A newly released study on the issue by Utah State University seemingly has sparked more controversy rather than providing a clear-cut response to the question. According to the newspaper, Col. Dave Belote, commander of the 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis, was among a group that visited the wash last week. He confirmed the Air Force’s opposition to development because of the area’s direct proximity to training airspace. The Bureau of Land Management expects to complete an environmental assessment next month and make a decision in the spring on how much or if the land will be auctioned off for development.
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.