Hoover Dam, approaching its 90th anniversary, remains a crucial infrastructure project, supporting urban growth in the desert Southwest by providing water to major cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. However, its maintenance has become a pressing issue. Nevada’s federal delegation is renewing efforts to pass the Help Hoover Dam Act, aiming to allocate around $50 million for the dam’s upkeep.
Representative Susie Lee, leading the House bill, emphasizes the importance of this initiative for maintaining stable energy prices, conserving natural resources, and reducing taxpayer expenses. The bill is supported by both Democrats and Republicans, including Nevada’s Republican Representative Mark Amodei, who describes it as a practical solution for ensuring the dam’s maintenance.
Since 2000, funds collected by the Department of Energy’s Western Area Power Administration for dam employees’ retirement benefits have remained unused due to alternative funding sources. The proposed legislation seeks to redirect these funds towards the dam’s maintenance.
The dam, classified as “high hazard” due to the potential for significant downstream damage if it fails, was last inspected in February 2023. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto is championing the Senate version of the bill, advocating for the release of these unused funds to enhance and maintain the dam, while also being mindful of taxpayer savings.