Las Vegas Wash gets congressional aid

Benjamin Grove

Monday, Nov. 6, 2000 | 11:07 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- The dwindling wetlands in Las Vegas Wash got a $10 million boost as part of a last-minute House effort to pay for water projects nationwide. The Senate already passed the bill, and President Clinton's signature is expected.

The House approved the bill Friday as its last order of business before members sprinted home for a final weekend of campaigning. Congress will return Nov. 14 to finish its business for the year: finalizing several spending and tax bills.

The $7 billion water resources bill was most notable for allocating $1.4 billion to restoring the Florida Everglades, over half of which has disappeared in the last 50 years.

Nevada got a $10 million piece of the bill to help restore the wetlands that act as a natural filtration system in the Las Vegas Wash, which runs into Lake Mead, Las Vegas' primary water source.

Flash floods along with urban runoff due to rapid population growth have contributed to the deterioration of the wash from 2,000 acres to 200 in 20 years.

Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., said her final-hour prodding helped secure the money in the House bill. Berkley's opponent, Republican Jon Porter, campaigned hard in the district as a frustrated Berkley remained in Washington last week, waiting for Congress to finish its work. It was worth waiting around, she said.

"This bill is very important to the future growth and development of this valley," Berkley said.