Senator Rosen Secured Funding Authorizations For Water Infrastructure In Nye, Storey Counties
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she secured several key priorities and funding authorizations for Nevada in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which she helped pass in the Senate. Given the severe drought that Nevada is facing, Senator Rosen worked across party lines to deliver for the state’s water infrastructure. This legislation, which is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law, includes provisions from a bill that Senator Rosen helped introduce to make sure the Army Corps of Engineers has access to the tools they need to respond to drought conditions, better manage scarce water resources, and ensure Nevada projects can qualify for funding.
“As the climate crisis worsens and drought conditions remain severe, I’m working to ensure Nevada has all of the federal resources we need for safe and reliable water systems across the state,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to announce I secured several provisions for communities across Nevada to support water infrastructure in a recent legislative package that has passed out of the Senate and is on its way to be signed into law. I’ll keep working across party lines to address the effects of severe drought in our state.”
“This is one of the most significant federal investments Storey County has ever received, and it will make a lasting difference in the lives of our residents,” said Austin Osborne, County Manager of Storey County. “With this $10 million authorization, we can tackle longstanding infrastructure challenges and prepare our community for a stronger, healthier future. This funding is a game-changer for Storey County, and we are grateful to our federal representatives for their ongoing support of our community’s needs.”
“Nye County is celebrating a significant milestone with the recent Congressional authorization of critical water projects through the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The funding will address long-standing infrastructure challenges in Pahrump, a community frequently endangered by extreme flooding and inadequate drainage systems,” said Debra Strickland, Chair of the Nye County Commission. “Nye County officials express deep gratitude to Nevada’s two Senators and Congressman Horsford for their dedicated efforts in securing this vital funding. These projects represent a crucial investment in Pahrump’s infrastructure and will substantially improve the community’s resilience and quality of life.”
“We appreciate the leadership of the Nevada Congressional Delegation on this bill,” said E. George Robison, Executive Director of the Truckee River Flood Management Authority. “This WRDA bill paves the way for the Truckee Flood Management Authority to move forward in permitting and receiving additional federal grants for this important project to protect our community.”
“We are appreciative of Senator Rosen and Nevada’s congressional delegation’s commitment to including the Laughlin community and the Las Vegas Wash in this WRDA funding request,” said Doa Ross, Deputy General Manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority. “This brings Laughlin one step closer to securing federal funding that will enhance water storage capacity, and it will also help fund additional improvements in the Las Vegas Wash to prevent erosion and protect Lake Mead.”
Rosen-led priorities for Nevada include:
- Authorizes $10 million for environmental infrastructure in Nye County, including a water wellfield and pipeline in the Pahrump Valley.
- Authorizes $10 million for Storey County for water and wastewater infrastructure.
- Allows for the Truckee River Flood Management Authority to carry out a local flood protection plan that will protect communities and provide ecosystem restoration benefits on the Truckee River.
Other key Rosen-supported provisions include:
- Increases the authorization ceiling for the Lake Mead/Las Vegas Wash Program to $60 million.
- Authorizes $29 million for the Town of Laughlin for water infrastructure to help support its water supply.
- Authorizes $4 million for the Town of Pahrump for flood control projects.
- Authorizes $20 million for Lake Tahoe water and wastewater infrastructure to help support its water supply.
###
