Congresswoman Lee Welcomes BOR Commissioner Touton to Announce $20 Million for Las Vegas Wash Efforts to Combat Drought
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LAS VEGAS – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) welcomed Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton to southern Nevada to announce a $20 million investment to restore and protect the Las Vegas Wash, which plays a critical role in helping southern Nevada combat drought by returning water to Lake Mead efficiently and effectively. Congresswoman Lee voted to provide this funding as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and introduced legislation to further support the Las Vegas Wash just last week.
Congresswoman Lee and Commissioner Touton made the announcement today at the Las Vegas Wash project outside Henderson, Nevada. 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. As part of today’s announcement, the Southern Nevada Water Authority will receive $20 million to protect and support wetlands within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, improve water quality, and protect endangered species in the Las Vegas Wash.
“This morning, we are here to celebrate an incredible win -- a $20 million investment in improving the Las Vegas Wash,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This is how we ensure that this infrastructure will provide safe and clean water for generations to come. Southern Nevada has led the way in this nation in water conservation. We have seen a 48% decline in per person usage since 2002 and 40% of water used in southern Nevada is captured with 99% of it being recycled. That is why the Las Vegas Wash is so important to our portfolio, especially as we continue to deal with this historic drought in the southwest.”
The announcement comes as part of a broader investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of more than $51 million for 18 projects across eight states that will improve aquatic habitats and support sustainable water supplies.
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