WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced legislation to help continue to combat drought in Nevada and support erosion control projects around the Las Vegas Wash, which plays a critical role in returning water from the Las Vegas Valley to Lake Mead.
“As we continue to combat the extreme drought facing Nevada, it’s critical that we invest in our existing water infrastructure,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to address water resource challenges and support important restoration efforts around the Las Vegas Wash.”
“Combating drought requires creative solutions, and that includes working together to make sure the Las Vegas Wash can continue to clean and funnel water from the Las Vegas Valley into Lake Mead,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This legislation will help safeguard Las Vegas’ water supply.”
The Las Vegas Wash combats drought in Southern Nevada by helping to filter the urban runoff and wastewater that runs through the Las Vegas Valley into Lake Mead. The Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act would facilitate an additional $25 million for the Las Vegas Wash program to support Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Bureau of Reclamation’s erosion control work, revegetation efforts, scientific studies, and biological restoration activities.
Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have been leaders in the Senate working to combat drought. Earlier this year, Rosen led a group of Senate colleagues, including Senator Cortez Masto, in a letter to National Park Service Director Charles F. Sams III and Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young urging them to use appropriated funds to address the extreme drought conditions and boat ramp closures at Lake Mead. Both senators also fought to deliver $4 billion to combat drought in the states bordering the Colorado River in the Inflation Reduction Act. Last year, Rosen and Cortez Masto introduced two pieces of legislation to help continue to combat drought in Nevada and protect Lake Mead. They also both helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which makes a historic amount of funding available for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the country over five years.
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