Las Vegas is the designated epicenter for a mock nuclear explosion planned by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
FEMA had planned to simulate a nuclear explosion right on the Las Vegas Strip to test for emergency preparedness. But the plan is meeting a lot of opposition from all the key players, including Boyd Gaming, MGM Mirage, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Las Vegas Convention and Vistors Authority (LVCVA).
Critics say a mock nuclear explosion should happen at a place where the damage would have a greater impact, like the Hoover Dam. But the actual site selected will be a step-by-step process and the first battle won is moving the exercise away from the Strip and over to Sunset Park.
LVCVA says a flood or earthquake drill would be a better alternative over a nuclear blast drill.
FEMA is continuing to reach out to key stakeholders, including state and local officials, to receive their input on site preferences.
The exercise is scheduled for May 17, 2010 and is expected to bring 10,000 people to Las Vegas.
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