Have they obtained all necessary rights-of-way? I'm having trouble picturing a route that doesn't transit protected desert areas.

Its just a underground tunnel that connects some exhibition halls with people movers. I think Elon's company got the lowest bid to do the work.

Sorry, in seeing "Vegas" I assumed that it would be traveling from Vegas to somewhere else, like L.A.

Knowing Elon Musk it is probably best they start on a small project given he is likely to over-commit to things.