26 years after devastating floods, Las Vegas breaks ground on major storm drain project
New $49 million infrastructure project aims to protect Charleston corridor from future disasters
It has been 26 years since one of the most destructive floods in Las Vegas history swept through the valley, killing two people, damaging hundreds of homes, and leaving more than $20 million in destruction. The floodwaters of July 8, 1999, left lasting scars—but they also set in motion a decades-long effort to protect Southern Nevada from future disasters.
Now, that effort continues as the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, in partnership with the City of Las Vegas, prepares to launch the final phase of the Charleston Storm Drain Project—a $49 million undertaking designed to reduce the risk of flooding along one of the city’s most historically vulnerable corridors.
A connected defense system
Since the late 1990s, Southern Nevada has invested over $2 billion in flood prevention infrastructure. That includes more than 700 miles of underground storm drains and channels, and over 100 detention basins designed to catch and redirect floodwaters.
According to flood control officials, the goal has been to create an interconnected regional network that allows stormwater to be collected and redirected safely away from neighborhoods, businesses, and roadways. And while flash floods still happen in the valley, the impact has been dramatically reduced compared to past decades.
Charleston Boulevard gets a long-awaited upgrade
The upcoming project focuses on Charleston Boulevard between the Arts District and Maryland Parkway. It will install large underground storm drains, upgrade aging sewer lines, enhance water infrastructure, and improve traffic signals and medians in the area. Once completed, this section will tie into the larger regional drainage system, ultimately carrying stormwater all the way to the Las Vegas Wash.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks and will last approximately two years.
Businesses ready for short-term disruption, long-term protection
Although the construction will bring traffic detours and noise to the area, many local business owners are welcoming the project. In recent years, flash flooding has caused water to surge off Charleston and into parking lots and storefronts.
Business leaders in the area say that while these incidents don’t happen often, the threat is always there—and they’re hopeful this project will provide lasting peace of mind.
Preparing for the future
Las Vegas remains vulnerable to flash floods due to its desert climate, dense urban surfaces, and sudden seasonal storms. Even a short burst of intense rain can cause water to collect and flow rapidly through streets and intersections.
City officials say the completion of the Charleston Storm Drain Project is a major step forward in the ongoing effort to make Las Vegas safer, more resilient, and better prepared for whatever weather challenges the future may bring.
Image Source: https://www.ktnv.com/news/26-years-after-catastrophic-las-vegas-floods-work-continues-to-prevent-it-from-happening-again
Category: Local News
Subcategory: Community Impact
Date: 07/09/2025
