Fast Facts

Why created – Because the major washes are dry most of the year, many residents are unaware of the flood potential or never see flooding occur until it is too late. The piecemeal approach to flood control was ineffective during the floods in the early 1980s. A coordinated and uniform approach was required; therefore, elected officials sought legislative changes that would allow for the creation of a regional flood control district to develop a comprehensive plan and provide funding for the plan’s implementation.

When created – The Nevada State Legislature passed a bill in 1985 that allowed for the creation of local districts for the control of floods. The Clark County Regional Flood Control District was created in early 1986 by a Clark County Ordinance. The District was charged with developing and overseeing a coordinated and comprehensive flood control master plan to alleviate flooding in Clark County, to regulate land use in flood hazard areas, to fund and coordinate the construction of flood control facilities, and to develop and contribute to the funding of a maintenance program for regional flood control facilities.

How funded – On September 2, 1986, voters approved a quarter cent sales tax to fund construction of regional flood control facilities. The Regional Flood Control District began receiving sales tax revenues in 1987. The design of the first flood control project was funded by the RFCD later in 1987. Construction of the first project began in 1988.

Growth – Clark County continues to grow at a rapid pace of about 6,000 new residents each month with a current population of 1.6 million people.

Funded to date – Total flood control funding to date is approximately $836 million. The District has funded flood control improvements totaling approximately $660 million. This includes design, right-of-way and construction costs. In addition, the U.S. government has funded approximately $176 million of the $291 million federal project for flood control improvements on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Tropicana and Flamingo Washes Project.

Completed facilities – As of June 2003, there are 62 completed detention basins and approximately 343 miles of channels and storm drains on-line throughout Clark County. To date, 39 square miles or 25,200 acres have been removed from federally identified FEMA flood zones. This has saved residents millions of dollars per year in flood insurance premiums.

Recent Progress – With each completed project, another area of the Valley is better protected from flooding, but there is more to be done. Until all flood control improvements have been completed, people need to make good decisions and not take unnecessary risks during storms.

The Flood Channel Television Program – the District produces a 30-minute television news program that updates the community about the progress of flood control and provides information about flash flood safety. The program airs about 40 times per month on Cox Cable channels 2 and 4, as well as stations in Laughlin and Mesquite.

World Wide Web – The District’s website, www.ccrfcd.org, provides citizens information about the District and the progress of flood control in Clark County. The site also gives current rainfall information at more than 100 locations throughout Clark County, along with flood zone information.

Flood Control Project Status Fact Sheet