Congresswoman Lee Announces $2.1 Million in Water Investments to Strengthen Las Vegas Wash, Protect Natural Habitats Impacted by Drought

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) announced $2.1 million in local water investments to strengthen the Las Vegas Wash and help mitigate the impacts of the West’s worst drought in 12 centuries. It was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Lee helped negotiate and pass. 

“There’s no single solution to solve our Western water crisis, and investments like these ensure we are using all the tools in our toolbox to protect Nevada’s water,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “By protecting our local wildlife habitats, we are also protecting our local water. I helped negotiate the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make investments like these possible.” 

The investments are provided by the Bureau of Reclamation and will go toward two Nevada projects overseen by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, both of which improve overall water conditions:

• $1,494,569 will improve riparian habitat along the Muddy River. Specifically, it will restore 10 acres of riparian habitat and protect additional downstream habitat from drought impacts at the Warm Springs Natural Area, a 1,250-acre property located approximately 40 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Not only will this expand and improve habitat conditions for local endangered species, but it is also critical for decreasing fire risk and reducing erosion and sedimentation during flood events. 
• $633,875 will enhance wildlife habitat along the Las Vegas Wash. Specifically, it will restore and revegetate 12.7 acres of wetland and riparian areas in the Clark County Wetlands Park. The Las Vegas Wash carries more than 200 million gallons of water to Lake Mead each day. Beyond improving habitat for wildlife and reducing erosion, the project will also improve water quality in Lake Mead.  

These Environmental Water Resource Projects (EWRP) investments stem from the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program and are part of a broader announcement of more than $41 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 21 projects aimed at increasing water reliability while providing environmental benefits. 

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