Boulder City bypass eminent domain case settled

The Board of Examiners on Tuesday approved another $2.75 million for an action brought by MGM Resorts International, owner of the Railroad Pass, regarding customer access to the casino and some land the property holds. The state needs approximately 15 of the property’s 56 acres on both sides of U.S. Highway 93/95 bordering Boulder City in Henderson and will close current highway access from Henderson.

A previously approved deposit of $2.041 million for right of occupancy on the land while the settlement was negotiated brings the total settlement to $5.2 million, including improvements approved Tuesday.

MGM Resorts had contended that losing its frontage access would reduce the property’s visibility and cause a significant reduction in business. The company claimed a negative impact of $8.6 million that would probably force the casino to close.

MGM Resorts did not provide further comment Tuesday.

Rudy Malfabon, senior director of the Nevada Department of Transportation, said construction of a new interchange that the state will contribute $423,000 toward will give more direct access to property owners in the area and Boulder City.

“When you have a limited access ability like an interstate, you have to consider reasonable access to the property owners,” Malfabon told the board. “It has a more direct access for traffic that’s going to head into Boulder City rather than going down to the interchange at U.S. 95 and doubling back in their tracks.”