Congresswoman Leger Fernández Applauds Initial $98 Million Agreement to Strengthen Las Vegas' Water Infrastructure
Washington, DC,
September 12, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández announced that the City of Las Vegas, New Mexico, will receive $98 million from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office to overhaul its water treatment facilities and systems. The Congresswoman and New Mexico Congressional Delegation secured $140 million for this effort as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations bill signed into law on December 29, 2022. This significant investment is part of the ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, which devastated northern New Mexico in 2022.
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández announced that the City of Las Vegas, New Mexico, will receive $98 million from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office to overhaul its water treatment facilities and systems. The Congresswoman and New Mexico Congressional Delegation secured $140 million for this effort as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations bill signed into law on December 29, 2022. This significant investment is part of the ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, which devastated northern New Mexico in 2022. Since the fire, residents and businesses in the City of Las Vegas have faced numerous challenges, including the contamination of its water resources with debris and ash, ongoing flooding, and severe damage to its water infrastructure. The funds secured will be used to upgrade critical water treatment facilities and systems, helping to restore the city’s access to clean, safe drinking water. “This investment is a monumental step for my hometown of Las Vegas, a town that has been through so much after the fires,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “Since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fires, cascading flooding events have devastated our community, hurt businesses, and damaged the city’s water supply. We know that after fires comes flooding — which is why in 2022 we got the $140 million of federal funding that will pay for these water system improvements. We knew we needed to help the city rebuild a stronger and more resilient water system. This funding will make sure we can emerge stronger and better prepared for future challenges.” Read the full Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) HERE. Background: In recent months, Las Vegas has struggled with water treatment issues, particularly following severe flooding on June 21, 2024, which further complicated efforts to provide clean water. The city’s reservoirs and the Gallinas River were contaminated with fire debris and ash, causing a critical shortage of treated water that impacted local businesses and forced water usage restrictions on residents. Las Vegas city officials collaborated with the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office to access an initial $98 million federal funds passed by Congress through this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This funding will be used to replace Las Vegas’ water treatment facilities. It will have the added benefit of strengthening emergency response protocols, flood management systems, and community resilience to future water crises. The city can continue to submit additional claims for further support from state and federal agencies as part of Las Vegas’ broader effort to address public safety, infrastructure resilience, and post-disaster recovery. |