District Message

Lawrence L. Brown III, Chairman Clark County Commissioner	Gale Wm. Fraser, II, PE General Manager / Chief Engineer

The 2008-09 year brought challenges as the downturn in the economy affected families and businesses across the nation. Because the District is funded by a ¼ cent sales tax, our revenue also fell short of projections. However, four years ago the District put in motion an announcement to the member agencies that we planned to bond for additional funding in the summer of 2009. This advance notice helped drive projects through the design process in anticipation for funding and construction in fall 2009.

Through the Build America Bonds, a program of the nationwide stimulus package, the District secured $150 million in bond debt at an interest rate of 4.5 percent. This money, combined with our sales tax revenue, is allowing approximately 30 projects to begin construction by the fall of this year for a total cost of more than $200 million. We also anticipate that between 2,000 to 3,000 people will be put to work on this record number of drainage projects – the most ever under construction at one time for the District.

Looking back at 2008-09, we made considerable progress regarding regional drainage improvements. The District funded construction of 12 new projects for a total of more than $63.3 million. Currently there are 82 detention basins and more than 500 miles of channel and underground storm drain protecting Southern Nevada residents and visitors.
The District continues to work with the Nevada Delegation to release federal land in an Instant Wilderness Study Area so that a detention basin and drainage dike can be built. The land, in northeast Las Vegas at the base of Sunrise Mountain, is needed to allow the Orchards Detention Basin to move forward. Legislation has been passed in the House and is awaiting approval in the Senate.

Environmental issues continue to be a top priority for the District. Both our mission and vision have been expanded to include that focus. Various community agencies concerned about water quality and quantity have joined to take part in the Las Vegas Valley Watershed Advisory Committee. This group is bringing a coordinated focus to preserving, protecting and enhancing water resources in the Las Vegas Valley watershed to sustain economic wellbeing and protect the environment for present and future generations.

Another area where the communities are being enhanced is the dual use of flood control detention basins and channels. While the Regional Flood Control District does not fund recreational amenities, we do work with our member agencies during the design of a project to accommodate recreation. This year several flood control facilities were modified to include trail systems, basketball courts, baseball fields and playgrounds. Multipurpose flood control facilities are an efficient use of taxpayer dollars allowing for flood protection and when dry, places to play and recreate.

We also continue to expand our public outreach programs to remind residents about the dangers of flash flooding. While a lot of progress has been made with drainage improvements, the District anticipates another 20-30 years before all projects are complete.
It is through our numerous partnerships, both public and private, that we can achieve our goals. This could not have been done without the regional perspective and support of the Board of Directors, the District’s highly qualified staff, the entities and their Public Works Departments throughout Clark County, and the Nevada Delegation.
           
Lawrence L. Brown III, Chairman

Gale Wm. Fraser, II, PE
General Manager / Chief Engineer