Press Release: Strong Bipartisan Support for Hoover Dam Maintenance Efforts
As Hoover Dam approaches its 90th anniversary, concerns about its condition have prompted Nevada’s federal delegation to reintroduce the Help Hoover Dam Act, aimed at securing $50 million for essential maintenance. Historically, Hoover Dam has been pivotal in providing water and power to cities across the Southwest, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.
Rep. Susie Lee, Democrat and lead sponsor of the House bill, emphasized the proposal’s potential to stabilize energy costs and uphold natural resource management. “This is government efficiency,” she stated, highlighting the bill’s dual focus on economic and environmental benefits.
Since 2000, the Department of Energy’s Western Area Power Administration has amassed approximately $2 million annually from hydropower users, intended for dam employees’ retirement benefits. However, with other funding sources now available, these funds have remained unused.
The bill has gained bipartisan support, with Republican Rep. Mark Amodei co-sponsoring it, calling the initiative a “cost-effective, commonsense approach” to ensuring necessary funds for dam maintenance. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that Hoover Dam, inspected most recently in February 2023, is categorized as “high hazard,” indicating potential severe consequences in the event of a failure.
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, one of Nevada’s Democratic senators, is advocating for the Senate version of the bill. “Hoover Dam is a testament to America’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that benefits its citizens,” she asserted. “It’s imperative we unlock the $50 million in unused funds to enhance and preserve this crucial resource.”
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Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
