In a state where nearly 86 percent of land is owned or controlled by various federal entities, the federal government plays a significant role in the destiny of our state. That is why it is essential for business and community leaders to join with our Nevada Congressional delegation to engage and advocate for the needs of Las Vegas and the entire state.
Last month, more than 200 business and community leaders joined the Vegas Chamber and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance for our annual Washington, D.C. Fly to learn about and promote policies to enhance our state. This trip gives Nevada business and community leaders the opportunity to discuss the real challenges facing Nevada and advocate for viable solutions that will positively impact the future of our great state.
The Vegas Chamber, along with then-Congressman Jon Porter, created the Washington, D.C. Fly-in in 2007. The purpose of the trip is to strengthen working relationships with Nevada’s Congressional delegation and develop working relationships with other key members of Congress on issues that impact Nevada and the Southwest region, as well as deepen our understanding of public policy issues in order to help craft good solutions for our state.
Over the years, this trip has been instrumental in helping our Congressional delegation move important priorities forward including the designation and funding of Interstate 11 connecting Las Vegas and Phoenix; the creation of Tule Springs National Monument to expand eco-tourism; more Homeland Security funds to protect Las Vegas; and the prevention of storage of any nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain.
This year water was at the top of everyone’s list as a priority. The ongoing drought conditions within the Colorado River Basin, including its impact on Lake Mead, is a great concern to economic stability in Southern Nevada, as well as daily life. I am pleased to report that our Congressional delegation is united and engaged in standing up for Nevada and finding long-term solutions to help our state and the Southern Nevada Water Authority navigate this complex issue. We learned that federal engagement and potential Congressional action will be necessary to address the future management and allocation of water along the Colorado River.
Other key issues included funding to build Interstate 11 to Phoenix, expand Interstate 15 to Southern California, as well as develop the Brightline high-speed train. Not only do these infrastructure projects connect Las Vegas to two of its top visitation markets, these investments will expand trading routes, enable economic development and job creation in manufacturing and logistics, and enhance the national economy.
We also heard the message loud and clear from our Congressional delegation that they need our help to bring even more federal dollars back to Nevada by applying for more federal grants. Nevada has a history of not receiving its fair share of federal grants, simply because we don’t apply for them at the same rate as other states. We are leaving funding on the table for key issues such as education, health care and infrastructure. This is something that we as business and community leaders can help fix, and the Vegas Chamber is committed to continue working with leaders across the state to do so.
I want to thank the elected and public officials, our Chamber trustees and members, and partner LVGEA for joining us for this productive trip. And I invite leaders in our community to join us next September when we head back to Capitol Hill.
Our Washington, D.C. Fly-in, in cooperation with our entire Nevada Congressional delegation, has proven that through relationship building and collaboration, we can make a positive difference in Washington, D.C. to benefit our economy and improve the lives of Nevadans.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.