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Bullhead City directs staff to pursue transfer of National Park Service lands outside Lake Mead
Summary
Council adopted a resolution directing staff to seek transfer of federal lands not within the Lake Mead fee area to the city for public uses; the transfer would require congressional action and presidential approval.
The Bullhead City Council on March 4 adopted Resolution 2025-R-8 directing staff to pursue transfer of National Park Service lands located inside the city limits but outside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area fee area, for public purposes.
City staff described parcels where the city already holds permits — including landscaping projects along Highway 95 and the land south of the bridge called Heritage Park — and said the federal government has no active plans or funding for the roughly described acreage. The staff presentation characterized the area as approximately 900 acres on the north side of the community that could be used for long‑range public benefits such as parks, recreation, roadway safety improvements, and public utilities.
City staff and the mayor emphasized that any transfer would require Congress to pass authorizing legislation and the president’s signature; there is no automatic change in ownership or use without federal action. Staff said the timing may be favorable because of ongoing conversations with the city’s congressional delegation and other federal partners, but they repeatedly noted there is no guarantee the transfer will occur.
Council members discussed potential future uses described by past local managers and officials — for example, trails, golfing, or long‑term recreation planning — and noted the city would keep the land for public purposes, not for private sale or mining. A resident asked whether the city would assume responsibility for highways and traffic signals; staff responded that Highway 68 and other state highways would remain under Arizona Department of Transportation jurisdiction and that campaign signs on federal land currently are not allowed but would be subject to city rules if the land were transferred.
The motion to adopt the resolution passed by voice vote recorded as seven in favor. No funding or specific development plan was approved; the resolution directs staff to pursue legislative transfer and plan for possible future public uses.
