KOLO: Lee, Cortez Masto introduce bill on Hoover Dam funding

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KOLO) - Nevada Representative and Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto have introduced a bill to allow the federal government to access around $50 million in funding for Hoover Dam.

The Help Hoover Dam Act was introduced into the House and the Senate and would allow the Bureau of Reclamation to access the unused funds for operations, maintenance, and improvement projects.

Mark Amodei is helping lead this legislation in the House.

Lee says that millions of dollars in the Colorado River Dam Fund have been inaccessible for decades.

“The Help Hoover Dam Act will cut through federal red tape and free tens of millions of dollars in long-stranded funding for Hoover Dam improvement projects. This is government efficiency,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03), lead House sponsor of the Help Hoover Dam Act. “Our bill is about keeping energy prices from going up, protecting our natural resources, and saving taxpayers money.”

“The Hoover Dam is a monument to the idea that America can and will invest in infrastructure that improves the lives of its people,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The dam and its powerplant serve residents across Nevada, Arizona, and California. It’s past time we cut the red tape, unlock the $50 million in unused funds to improve and maintain the dam, and save taxpayer dollars.”