Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40–Senators McGinness, Amodei, Care, Carlton, Cegavske, Coffin, Hardy, Mathews, Neal, Nolan, O’Connell, Raggio, Rawson, Rhoads, Schneider, Shaffer, Tiffany, Titus, Townsend, Washington and Wiener
Joint Sponsors: Assemblymen Hardy, Anderson, Andonov, Angle, Arberry, Atkinson, Beers, Brown, Buckley, Carpenter, Chowning, Christensen, Claborn, Collins, Conklin, Geddes, Gibbons, Giunchigliani, Goicoechea, Goldwater, Grady, Griffin, Gustavson, Hettrick, Horne, Knecht, Koivisto, Leslie, Mabey, Manendo, Marvel, McClain, McCleary, Mortenson, Oceguera, Ohrenschall, Parks, Perkins, Pierce, Sherer, Weber and Williams
Senate Concurrent RESOLUTION—Supporting the Mesquite Project, an international aerospace and defense industry showcase and technology exposition, at the Mesquite Airport.
Whereas, The Mesquite Project will establish a world-class international aerospace and defense industry showcase and technology exposition which will be the first of its kind in North America and which will emphasize North American technology, celebrate the history of powered flight, focus on the future implications of space-age technology and inspire a new generation of technology pioneers; and
Whereas, The global aerospace and defense industry revenue totaled nearly $265 billion in 1999, with the United States’ portion generating $144 billion in 2000, achieving a 54-percent market share and employing in excess of 780,000 people; and
Whereas, Experts in the industry agree that large international air shows are critical to the success of aerospace companies in the global market and provide companies the most cost-effective method of reaching a broad base of global customers; and
Whereas, Aerospace is an industry whose products cannot be easily or practically demonstrated everywhere potential markets exist, and western European countries now dominate international aerospace and defense trade shows by hosting them on their home soil; and
Whereas, The Mesquite Project, by hosting a showcase event in North America, will provide a long overdue, cost-effective alternative to American aerospace companies now participating in western European marketing shows and will serve to significantly expand, develop and diversify our local and state economy by attracting new industries and by expanding existing industries; and
Whereas, The Las Vegas area is one of only two possible locations in North America capable of hosting the 10-day event, thanks to its international reputation as a first-class destination, its predictable climate, its ability to accommodate the approximately 600,000-plus room nights that will be required, and its construction of a new airport customized specifically to accommodate the Project; and
Whereas, The Mesquite Project will provide corporations, governments, institutions and industries unique opportunities to showcase their integral roles in developing and advancing aerospace technology; and
Whereas, The Mesquite Project will include educational forums, civilian and military flight demonstrations, and international trade symposiums and will create a permanent year-round attraction, including a permanent science center with an IMAX theater, a technology museum and a future youth science academy; and
Whereas, These events will further expand our existing tourist economy and will act as a catalyst in attracting technological and other aerospace-related industries which will offer rewarding and exciting careers to educated and motivated Nevada residents; and
Whereas, The Mesquite Project will provide a year-round venue for other aviation events, such as air races and air shows that, when taken together, have the second largest number of spectators in North America, an estimated 18 million per year, ranking only behind Major League Baseball; and
Whereas, The Mesquite Project has been founded and will be accomplished with the same spirit and determination shown by the Wright brothers in 1903, Charles Lindbergh in 1927, Amelia Earhart in 1932, Chuck Yeager in 1947 and Neil Armstrong in 1969, and is destined to become one of aviation’s triumphs; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of Nevada, the Assembly Concurring, That the members of the 72nd Session of the Nevada Legislature commend the efforts of the City of Mesquite and its Airport Advisory Task Force in developing and supporting the Mesquite Project; and be it further
Resolved, That the commitment, innovation and determination by all those involved in the Mesquite Project is exemplary of the true Nevada spirit; and be it further
Resolved, That the Nevada Legislature recognizes the potential for positive and long-term economic benefit to the State and the Nation and enthusiastically encourages the continued development of the Mesquite Project; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate prepare and transmit a copy of this resolution to the Mayor, City Council and Airport Advisory Task Force of the City of Mesquite, Nevada.
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