Tunnel project displaces unhoused residents, sparks community concerns in Las Vegas neighborhoods
LAS VEGAS, NV — A major underground flood control project in Las Vegas has triggered a wave of concern among residents after displacing dozens — possibly over a hundred — unhoused individuals who had been living in the city’s vast storm drain tunnels.
The $15 million infrastructure effort, part of Clark County’s long-term flood prevention plan, began clearing out underground encampments this spring. While officials emphasize the project’s necessity for public safety and storm readiness, many locals say the consequences are already being felt above ground — in the form of increased crime, safety concerns, and unanswered questions about where these displaced individuals will go.
Flood control meets a housing crisis
Clark County crews — accompanied by Metro Police and fire personnel — began targeted tunnel cleanups near Flamingo Road and Maryland Parkway in late May. Protective gear was worn due to hazardous conditions inside the tunnels. According to Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, between 25 and 120 people were displaced in just the first phase of the effort.
The county is installing concrete linings and fencing to permanently seal off tunnel access, with construction planned to continue in multiple phases. The goal: prevent future encampments and improve water drainage during monsoon season.
“The truth is, there were a ton of people in there that are not in there now,” Segerblom said at a recent community meeting. “So where do they go? That’s what we’re trying to deal with right now.”
Residents share fears, demand solutions
At a town hall held at the Clark County Library, more than 30 residents and business owners gathered to express growing frustration and fear over the aftermath of the tunnel sweep.
Brenda Wilda, a local who’s lived in the area for 36 years, shared a disturbing recent experience.
“I’ve had my house broken into,” she said. “I walked out front and had a man fully exposed in front of my house. I was on hold with the police for three hours.”
Wilda said she and younger neighbors have started informally patrolling their street to help protect elderly residents.
“Every time they clean out the wash, there’s more crime in our neighborhood,” she added.
Other residents echoed similar experiences, including multiple break-ins and encounters with individuals in mental health crisis. One neighbor claimed their property had been broken into four times in recent months.
Shelters offered, but arrests possible
Officials say outreach teams have been working to connect displaced individuals with housing resources, including non-congregate shelters like the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center and the Navigation Center. Non-profits such as HELP of Southern Nevada are also providing support — though available shelter space remains limited.
At the same time, Clark County is enforcing its anti-homeless camping ordinance, which can lead to citations or even 10-day jail terms for those who refuse to vacate public spaces. The policy has sparked backlash from advocates, who argue that punishing unhoused individuals — especially without guaranteed shelter access — only deepens the crisis.
“This problem didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t go away overnight,” said Commissioner Segerblom. “But we have to keep showing up and pushing for real solutions.”
Where do we go from here?
As the tunnel project progresses into new areas, tensions between public safety, housing policy, and human rights continue to grow. Residents are calling for more comprehensive solutions that go beyond cleanup — including long-term housing support, mental health treatment, and more transparency from county leaders.For now, follow-ups are being scheduled between local agencies and affected neighbors. VegasEncyclopedia will continue monitoring this story and providing updates as new developments unfold.
Image Source: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/las-vegas-underground-tunnel-project-pushes-unhoused-onto-streets/
Category: Environment, Politics
Subcategory: Community News, Public Safety
Date: 07/01/2025
