The House of Representatives today passed a sweeping legislative package to reauthorize numerous programs critical to spurring economic development and safeguarding water resources in Southern Nevada and across the country. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, Rep. Titus played a key role in crafting this package. 

“I am proud to have helped negotiate this package to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration and recognize the importance of tourism and outdoor recreation for economic development, in addition to investing in critical water infrastructure programs, including an extension of the Las Vegas Wash program which is essential for returning water to Lake Mead as our region battles historic drought," said Rep. Titus. “Furthermore, I fought to include provisions related to our federal real estate portfolio which will ensure tax dollars from District One are being spent responsibly and with greater transparency.” 

I.                  Economic Development Administration (EDA) Reauthorization

The legislative package includes a reauthorization of the EDA for the first time in 20 years. During the interim, new opportunities have emerged for local economies which is why Rep. Titus secured language allowing economic development grants to go towards projects that promote travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Last year, Rep. Titus introduced the INVEST in Our Communities Act to establish a dedicated grant program for travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation at the EDA.

In addition to new opportunities, challenges have evolved over the years that have forced regions to rethink their approach to economic development, especially in the Colorado River Basin which contributes $1.4 trillion in annual economic activity and sustains 16 million jobs. Accordingly, Rep. Titus successfully negotiated the inclusion of her bipartisan Water Conservation Economic Adjustment Act to assist with water conservation efforts in economies impacted by drought and extreme heat.

II.                  Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) Reauthorization

This biannual bill reauthorizes programs that protect our country’s ports, inland water networks, and flood control programs. The bill includes multiple provisions championed by Congresswoman Titus to protect critical water infrastructure, safeguard vulnerable ecosystems, and ensure Nevada continues to be a leader in water conservation.

Las Vegas Wash Program

The Las Vegas Wash is the primary drainage channel for the Las Vegas Valley watershed, carrying some 200 million gallons of water to Lake Mead daily. This helps Southern Nevada position itself as a leader in recycling 99 percent of water that is used indoors.

Authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2020, the Las Vegas Wash Program has contributed to erosion control, biological restoration, and other activities that have protected the Wash.

Thanks to Rep. Titus’s efforts, the program’s funding cap will increase by $20 million to ensure continued federal support for the Wash as the region combats record drought and extreme heat.

Reauthorization of the National Dam Safety Program

The National Dam Safety Program (NDSP) was first authorized in 1996 and is the primary source of federal support for dam safety programs at the state level. In the 1^st Congressional District, there are 28 qualified dams. The State of Nevada receives annual funding from the NDSP State Assistance Program for training, staffing needs, emergency planning, and dam inspection and monitoring activities.

The provision requested by Rep. Titus reauthorizes the NDSP through FY2028, while also providing smaller communities with greater access to the program for their repair needs.

Invasive Species in Alpine Lakes Pilot Program

Congresswoman Titus led the effort to extend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Invasive Species in Alpine Lakes Pilot Program which will develop and carry out effective measures for preventing, controlling, and eradicating aquatic invasive species in alpine lakes outside of the National Park System.

The federal government owns and manages approximately 78 percent of the lands within the Tahoe watershed which is home of the largest alpine lake in North America. This makes the ongoing federal role at Lake Tahoe both appropriate and vital for the region’s tourism-based economy.

Emergency Drought Operations

During the committee markup, Rep. Titus secured an amendment to implement an emergency drought operations pilot program for projects in the Lower Colorado River Basin. Retained in the final bill, the program provides the Army Corps of Engineers with the flexibility to update water control manuals during drought emergencies so they are consistent with drought contingency plans for impacted areas.

III.               General Systems Administration (GSA)

As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, Rep. Titus has oversight of the over 363 million square feet of space in 8,397 buildings in more than 2,200 communities across the country. As agencies' needs evolve, Rep. Titus has made it a priority to ensure the federal real estate portfolio reflects a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and remains accessible to all. In her efforts to achieve this mission, Rep. Titus secured the following bills in the bipartisan package:

Think Differently About Building Accessibility Act

This requires the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate all GSA owned and leased buildings, and report if they are not in compliance with the Architectural Barriers Act, which requires buildings constructed with federal dollars to be accessible for people with disabilities.

FASTA Reform Act

The Act makes improvements on the bipartisan and bicameral effort from the 114th Congress to sell unused government properties. Among the improvements, the bill extends the authorization of the Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB) and requires Federal agencies to share their real property data and consolidation plans with the Board.

Expiration of GSA Resolutions

This expiration on Transportation & Infrastructure Committee resolutions approving General Service Administration (GSA) construction, alteration, repair, design, or acquisition projects is set for five years. If GSA has not executed the project within that time, the authorization would be deemed expired.

Revision of Design Standards

The P-100 establishes design standards and criteria for the construction of new Federal buildings as well as repairs and alterations of existing buildings. The document, which contains prescriptive requirements and performance-based standards, is intended to give designers, architects, and engineers the flexibility to determine how to meet established federal goals and standards.

Currently, the guide is updated with very little public input and transparency. This bill requires GSA to establish a process for soliciting feedback from the public whenever changes to the P-100 are being considered, which will ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent in a responsible manner.