Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 | 2 a.m.
The Department of the Interior will provide over $375 million to fund 36 projects enhancing recreational opportunities, conserving wildlife habitat, reducing hazardous fuels and preventing wildfires across Nevada and the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin, Clark County officials said in a statement.
The funding, sourced from land sales under the 1998 Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act, marks an investment in sustainable community infrastructure and environmental preservation, the news release said.
Clark County received $67 million of the funding, county officials said. Almost $63 million will be for two Clark County parks and an additional $4 million to help fund the Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan as part of Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act.
The county was awarded over $43 million to develop and enhance the Mountain’s Edge Regional Park, according to a new release. The proposed project will develop 55 acres of the park, adding a soccer complex, pickleball complex and a community botanical garden.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Department of the Interior for seeing the unique value that Mountain’s Edge Regional Park brings to our neighborhoods and families,” Commissioner Justin Jones said in a statement. “This phase will transform the park into a special gathering place with activities for everyone.”
Clark County was also awarded over $19 million to develop and enhance within the Wetlands Park, the news release said. The proposed project will improve around 8.5 acres within the 2,900-acre park and will include pedestrian bridges, an area for bird and pond viewing and enhanced security.
“So many of the people who enjoy the area will benefit from these upgrades including the bird watching community, the dedicated walkers and those who are new to the area,” Clark County Commissioner Jim Gibson said in a statement.
The $4 million for the conservation plan will be used to increase the Mojave desert tortoise and other species’ connectivity across the county, implement wildlife and habitat protective measures along Corn Creek Road and will fund Mojave desert tortoise surveys and health assessments to determine the current population size and health of the tortoises, the news release said.
“Public land sales in the Las Vegas Valley have fueled projects that benefit communities and elevate quality of life for residents and visitors,” said Interior Acting Deputy Secretary Laura Daniel-Davis in a statement.
Funding will benefit multiple federal, local and educational entities like the Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service and Churchill, Clark and Lincoln counties as well as the cities of Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the press release said.
“This program supports jobs and local economies, improves recreation in rural and underserved areas and aligns with our commitment to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030,” Daniel-Davis said.