Congresswoman Lee Introduces Legislation to Support Las Vegas Wash and Combat Drought
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) led Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01) in introducing the Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act to support the Las Vegas Wash and ensure that more water from the Valley can return to Lake Mead to combat the drought. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate earlier this month by Senator Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Senator Rosen (D-NV).
The Las Vegas Wash is a critical drought mitigation tool and the primary drainage channel for the Las Vegas Valley watershed, carrying around 200 million gallons of water to Lake Mead daily. This legislation would authorize an additional $25 million for the Las Vegas Wash program to continue to support the work of the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Bureau of Reclamation in erosion control, revegetation efforts, scientific studies, and biological restoration activities.
“As Nevada continues to confront the effects of the worst drought in 12 centuries, I'm doing everything I can to find solutions to conserve and manage our precious water resources for the long haul," said Congresswoman Lee. "The Las Vegas Wash is a shining example of what makes southern Nevada a national leader in water conservation, but we must press ahead with efforts to further improve and safeguard this critical resource to ensure its long-term stability and protect the water flowing to Lake Mead. I'm proud to introduce this conservation legislation alongside my southern Nevada colleagues.”
“While Nevadans are already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis, including a relentless drought, the Las Vegas Wash continues to play a critical role in ensuring clean water for Las Vegas,” said Congressman Horsford. “This legislation would invest in our water security and ensure we’re prepared for future water resource challenges. By investing in the Las Vegas Wash now, we will preserve Southern Nevada’s environment and safeguard our water supply for generations to come.”
"The Las Vegas Wash is vital to the Valley's watershed, carrying 200 million gallons of water to Lake Mead daily and providing clean drinking water for over 25 million people in the West," said Congresswoman Titus. "Federal support for the Wash will safeguard our water supply for years to come. As Nevada continues to face drought conditions, this extension is essential for the continued support of rehabilitation, maintenance, and other critical infrastructure projects at the Wash."
“Protecting and enhancing the Las Vegas Wash is a critical component of Southern Nevada’s water resource management and environmental stewardship,” said John Entsminger, SNWA General Manager. “Nearly all of our community’s indoor water use is safely and sustainably recycled back to Lake Mead through the Las Vegas Wash, and this legislation helps provide the necessary funding to continue protecting water quality and managing this important ecological resource within the Colorado River Basin.”
As Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Colorado River Caucus, Congresswoman Susie Lee has been dedicated to finding solutions to the worst drought in the American West in 12 centuries. Last Congress, Lee’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Investment Act was enacted as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, alongside more than $400 million to improve Nevada’s water infrastructure. This Congress, Lee has introduced bipartisan legislation to close the biggest data gap in water management and led bipartisan calls for action in the Colorado River negotiations following a series of missed deadlines.
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