Las Vegas, Nev. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement applauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s $19.5 million grant to improve Nevada’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and water pollution reduction programs.
“Investments in our state’s water infrastructure to ensure it is up to date and well-maintained is essential to the safety and health of all Nevadans,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I commend the EPA for highlighting the importance of safe and clean drinking water, and for investing in water infrastructure projects that will help reduce water pollution in Nevada. I urge the EPA to continue their efforts in recognizing that access to safe drinking water is a basic human right, and using science-based solutions to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges we are facing today.”
The following grants were awarded to Nevada:
- Nevada’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) received $11.75 million for drinking water infrastructure improvements that address health risks and improve community and public water systems. Projects include groundwater and surface water treatment systems, water storage, transmission and distribution systems, and water metering.
- The state’s Clean Water SRF received $6.47 million for a variety of water quality infrastructure improvement projects throughout the state. These include upgrades and repairs of wastewater treatment facilities and sewer lines and projects to convert septic systems to sewer systems. Such improvements help prevent leaks and increase reliability and sustainability of wastewater systems.
- The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will use $1.37 million to improve water quality through programs to reduce nonpoint source pollution. Nonpoint source pollution is caused when storm water runoff carries pollutants into water bodies and wetlands.
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