Horsford Joins Susie Lee and Dina Titus To Introduce Bicameral Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) joined Congresswomen Susie Lee (NV-03) and Dina Titus (NV-01) in introducing H.R. 8415, the Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act. This legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Rosen (D-NV) and will provide additional funding to support erosion control projects and critical infrastructure around the Las Vegas Wash. The Las Vegas Wash is the primary drainage channel for the Las Vegas Valley watershed, carrying around 200 million gallons of water to Lake Mead daily.

This bill 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. The Wash is critical to addressing the overall environmental and water resource challenges facing Southern Nevada by helping to clean the urban runoff and wastewater that runs through the Las Vegas Valley into Lake Mead.

“We must ensure that Nevadans continue to have safe and accessible water,” said Congressman Horsford. “I secured $6 million for the Las Vegas Wash Program this year, but more funds are still needed. The Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act funds the program so we can reduce erosion and keep our water clean. Now is the time to take action so the quality of our water supply is secure for the future.”

“Nevada’s drought is an existential threat to our region, and I’m doing everything I can to find solutions to conserve and manage our precious water resources,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “Southern Nevada must update our infrastructure to ensure the long-term stability of the Las Vegas Wash and protect the water flowing to Lake Mead, which has reached record lows. I’m proud to introduce this critical water-saving legislation alongside my southern Nevada colleagues.”

“The Las Vegas Wash is vital to the Valley’s watershed, carrying 200 million gallons of water to Lake Mead daily, and providing drinking water for over 25 million people in the West,” said Congresswoman Titus. “The Las Vegas Wash Program Extension Act will ensure fundamental federal support for the Wash, safeguarding the West’s water supply for years to come. As Nevada and the West face the worst drought in twelve centuries, this expansion is essential for the continued support of rehabilitation, maintenance, and other critical infrastructure projects at the Wash.”

“The Las Vegas Wash plays a key role in our water supply, linking our local watershed to Lake Mead,” said John Entsminger, SNWA General Manager. “Protecting the Wash and its wetlands from erosion is critical to ensuring a healthy wetland ecosystem and safeguarding Lake Mead’s water quality, and we appreciate Representative Lee’s support to fund these efforts. Her legislation increases financial commitments at the federal level to protect this important part of Southern Nevada’s watershed.”

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