The White House announced Nevada as the recipient of millions of dollars in funding for the expansion of water infrastructure operations.
The Water Resources Development Act, recently passed by Congress and signed into law, will provide the Silver State with $49M for water infrastructure projects. The various projects will be in Pahrump, Laughlin, Nye and Storey counties.
Pahrump is to receive $4M for water and wastewater facilities. The Nye County Water Wellfield and Pipeline is set to receive $10M of the funding. Storey County is also to receive $10M for wastewater infrastructure but will also be using its funds for the Truckee River Flood Management Authority’s flood protection plan.
The Las Vegas Wash will receive $20M annually, per the legislation. The wash acts as the valley’s main drainage channel. On a daily basis, the wash carries approximately 200 million gallons of water to Lake Mead. Prior to the legislation, the authorization ceiling for the wash was $40M. Now, the authorization ceiling sits at $60M.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority stated Southern Nevada is one of the few places to recycle indoor water on a large scale. The authority said 99% of its indoor water use is recycled, which is greatly impacted by the Las Vegas Wash.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Funds
The Department of the Interior also announced 21 projects were authorized as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The law focuses on improving water resources and easing drought-affected communities and other communities affected by climate change. The 21 projects equate to more than $41M in funding.
SNWA is to receive $2M for two projects. Of the $2M, $1.5M will go toward the restoration of 10 acres of riparian zone. Riparian zones refer to land on the edges of bodies of water. The riparian zone protects other habitats from drought in the Warm Springs Natural Area.
Remaining funds will be delegated to the Las Vegas Wash to restore 12.7 acres of wetland/riparian areas in Clark County Wetlands Park. (Source)
