Las Vegas, NV – Today Representative Dina Titus, a founding Member of the Congressional Colorado River Caucus, announced the National Park Service’s (NPS) release of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (NRA) Sustainable Low Water Access Plan. The FONSI evaluated the NPS’s preferred alternative and found no significant adverse impacts for allowing the continuation of recreational services and concessioner-operated marinas at Lake Mead’s five open launch ramps should water levels decrease in the future. 
 
"From my tenure in the State Senate to my service in Congress, water conservation has always been top of mind,” said Rep. Titus. “Whether it’s through record investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act or supplemental disaster funding I helped secure earlier this year, I am continuing to make sure more water stays in Lake Mead. Today’s action will not only secure the viability of natural resources in Southern Nevada, but it will also protect the many small businesses that benefit from tourism and our region’s outdoor recreation economy.”

“Recreational opportunities surrounding the Lake Mead National Recreation Area play a pivotal role in fostering a deep connection between people and nature. These activities allow individuals to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty and tranquility of these protected environments while increasing environmental awareness and appreciation for conservation efforts,” said Jill Rowland-Lagan, ACE, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. “Communities like Boulder City will benefit from Natural Parks which attract tourists, providing economic stimulus to local businesses such as marinas, rental services, and hospitality establishments. This synergy underscores the importance of preserving and promoting these activities to ensure the enduring health and vitality of both natural landscapes and the human communities that coexist within them.”

Background
In November 2022, the NPS released a number of proposals to address access to Lake Mead amidst decreasing water levels, including plans that could have effectively shut down marina and concession operations. After engaging with the public and the NPS at multiple public meetings, Congresswoman Titus pushed for the approval of federal disaster supplemental aid, as well as $17 million in funding through the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act (SNPLMA), for providing continued recreational access to Lake Mead.

Finally, after years with interim leadership, Rep. Titus played a critical role in advocating the NPS to prioritize hiring a permanent superintendent for the Lake Mead NRA. In August 2023, the NPS announced Mike Gauthier would fill the position.