Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a senior member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, announced $8.5 million in funding to the Southern Nevada Water Authority to conserve and protect endangered species at Lake Mead. This funding from the Bureau of Reclamation was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which Congresswoman Titus helped pass through the House.

Currently, the Lake Mead State Fish Hatchery, which supplies razorback sucker and bonytail subadult fish to the Lower Colorado River Multispecies Conservation Program, is positioned above current water levels due to the historically low levels in the lake. This funding will be used to modify the current water intake system at the hatchery so that it can continue its operations.

“Nevada is experiencing an historic 1,200-year drought that is impacting water levels, the environment, and the surrounding aquatic ecosystem,” said Rep. Titus. “Today’s funding will help address water intake issues and guarantee the survival of endangered fish species in the Colorado River Basin.”

Background

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $8.3 billion for Bureau of Reclamation water infrastructure projects to repair aging water delivery systems, secure dams, complete rural water projects, and protect aquatic ecosystems. This funding includes $300 million specifically set aside for the Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan, which will work to reduce the risk of Lake Mead and Lake Powell reaching critically low elevations.

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