(Washington, DC) – Recently, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) teamed with U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) to file the Heller-Heinrich Rural Water Amendment to the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA). This bipartisan amendment addresses the needs of rural communities in the west trying to develop water infrastructure projects for economic growth. Both Senators released the following statements:

“With Nevada being one of the most arid states in the country, it is important we stretch every drop of water as far as it will go.  This amendment advances water infrastructure projects in rural communities, improving their water security and in turn, their future economic growth opportunities. I am pleased to work with Senator Heinrich on this important bipartisan amendment improving a program that has benefitted both of our states for many years,” said Senator Dean Heller. 

“In the Southwest, water is the lifeblood of our economy and culture.? Investments in water infrastructure projects in rural New Mexico safeguard our communities from flooding and help us plan for a more secure and sustainable water future. And protecting our water and boosting economic development go hand in hand. I commend Senator Dean Heller for his leadership on this issue and I am pleased to join him in the effort to ensure that New Mexico remains eligible to compete for these critical funds,” said Senator Martin Heinrich.

BACKGROUND:

 The Section 595 Rural Western Water Program administered by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) provides rural communities in Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming design and construction assistance for water infrastructure projects.  Successful projects have included storm/sewer systems, water treatment, and water delivery infrastructure. 

 Nevada has greatly benefitted from this program since it was first established in the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, facilitating projects in ten Nevada counties.    

A PDF copy of the amendment can be found here.

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