This is a big win for Boulder City and for aviation safety in Southern Nevada. Boulder City Municipal Airport has secured a $10 million grant to help build a new air traffic control tower, giving the airport a major upgrade as it continues to handle one of the busiest aviation loads in the state.
Boulder City Municipal Airport is especially important because it supports a large share of the region’s air tour traffic. According to local officials, it is the third-busiest airport in Nevada based on enplanements, and it serves a wide variety of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. With two runways — one at 5,100 feet and another at 3,800 feet — the airport plays a key role for pilots, passengers, tourism operators, and local businesses.
The new tower is expected to improve how aircraft operations are coordinated at the airport. Airport manager Marissa Adou said the funding is a major milestone and will help support the safe and efficient operation of Boulder City Municipal Airport. She also noted that the tower will enhance situational awareness, improve aircraft coordination, and support long-term safety for pilots, passengers, businesses, and the broader community.
A few key details stand out:
$10 million grant awarded to Boulder City
Funding will support a new air traffic control tower
Boulder City Municipal Airport is the third-busiest airport in Nevada based on enplanements
Airport supports many regional air tours
Tower is currently in the design phase
Construction is expected to begin this fall
Tower is expected to be operational by summer 2028
Grant comes from the FAA’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Only four airport projects received the maximum $10 million award
Project will create short-term construction jobs and long-term operations jobs
What makes this especially notable is how competitive the funding was. Of all the airport projects that applied for this grant, only four received the maximum $10 million award. That says a lot about the importance of the Boulder City project and the role this airport plays in Southern Nevada’s aviation network.
The project also has an economic side. Building the tower will create short-term jobs during construction, and once it is operating, it is expected to support long-term employment tied to airport operations. For a city like Boulder City, that kind of infrastructure investment can strengthen public safety, support tourism, and help the airport continue serving the region efficiently.
My take is this: the new Boulder City airport tower is more than just an airport upgrade — it is an investment in safety, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional infrastructure. With construction expected to begin this fall and operations targeted for summer 2028, this is a project worth watching as Boulder City continues to support one of Nevada’s busiest aviation hubs.
Important Project Information
Project: New Air Traffic Control Tower
Location: Boulder City Municipal Airport
Grant Amount: $10 million
Funding Source: FAA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Airport Rank: Third-busiest airport in Nevada based on enplanements
Airport Use: Fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and regional air tours
Runways: 5,100 feet and 3,800 feet
Current Status: Design phase
Construction Timeline: Expected to begin this fall
Expected Opening: Summer 2028
Supported By: U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and staff
Community Impact: Improved aviation safety, better aircraft coordination, short-term construction jobs, and long-term operational jobs
