Hardy said he still believes the highway from Las Vegas through Laughlin needs to be improved, but he doesn't think that will get vehicles off the dam. Boulder City Councilman Bill Smith, a former volunteer guide on the dam, also supports the highway administration's decision. Councilman Bryan Nix, however, has joined those who oppose the Sugar Loaf alternative. Echoing the environmentalists, Nix said the basis of his opposition is that the highway administration did not thoroughly study the Laughlin route. The Sugar Loaf route will bring in increased traffic that will have a negative effect on Boulder City, he said.
Boulder City is a controlled growth town.
Canamex will have a significant impact. The bridge south of the dam also does nothing to protect the Colorado River and its users in California, Arizona and Mexico, Nix said. The town might support the Sierra Club's legal challenge, he said. We'll be looking at that and making some decisions about what role Boulder City will play, Nix said. He said the club hopes to have the support of the Nevada Legislature, which is considering a resolution to support re-opening the environmental review process, including examination of the Laughlin option.