Western lawmakers are hoping to boost operating funds for the Hoover Dam by cracking open a $45 million account “stranded” in bureaucratic limbo for more than two decades.
Nevada Rep. Susie Lee (D) and Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I) each introduced the “Help Hoover Dam Act” in their respective chambers last week with the goal of converting funds once designated for retirement benefits to maintenance and operations needs at the nation’s second tallest dam.
“We can’t let government bureaucracy stop us from making necessary investments in the Hoover Dam — Nevadans depend on it for clean power, precious water resources, and countless recreational opportunities,” said Lee, who asserted the bill would “cut through federal red tape and free tens of millions of dollars in long-stranded funding.”
Lee added that her bill, H.R. 7776 and the Senate bill, S. 4016, will “help keep our energy prices from going up, protect our natural resources, and save taxpayers money.”
