A bipartisan-backed bill clearing the path for the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) to build the Horizon Lateral pipeline – a critical redundancy project – has passed the U.S. Senate unanimously and now heads to President Trump for signature. Sponsored by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in the Senate and Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) in the House (which passed its version last year), the Sloan Canyon Conservation and Lateral Pipeline Act grants rights-of-way to tunnel the massive line beneath the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area south of Henderson.
The roughly 40-mile pipeline, wide enough to drive a Ford F-150 through, would deliver up to 375 million gallons per day from the existing South Valley Lateral (built in 1996) to serve growing areas in Henderson and western Las Vegas – areas that currently rely on a single line for about 40% of the valley’s water supply (impacting nearly half of residents and businesses). Without this backup, major repairs or emergencies could leave large swaths of the valley dry.
Costing up to $2 billion, the underground route avoids disrupting major Henderson roads and saves ratepayers an estimated $200 million compared to surface alternatives. To address earlier environmental concerns (including wildlife and cultural sites like petroglyphs), the bill expands the conservation area by nearly 9,290 acres – a roughly 20% increase – while ensuring no permanent surface damage or wilderness impacts.
As Sen. Cortez Masto stated on the Senate floor: “It will protect the water supply for nearly half of our Las Vegas residents and businesses. And if you’re from the West, water is an issue.”
Rep. Titus added: “The Horizon Lateral pipeline strikes an important balance. It will protect and enhance water access for Southern Nevada residents and businesses while preserving more of the unique habitat and cultural history of Sloan Canyon.”
SNWA Deputy General Manager Doa Ross emphasized the no-crystal-ball reality: “If we have to take any section of that main down, there are going to be large portions of the valley that are going to be without water after a period of time.”
This redundancy project is a smart, forward-thinking move amid ongoing drought pressures and Lake Mead uncertainties – potentially a game-changer for long-term water security in the valley. The president has 10 days (once presented) to act.
What do you think – does this balance conservation and growth effectively for Nevada?
#TheNevadaConservative #TNC #Local #NevadaWater #LasVegasWater #SloanCanyon
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