Waterfall money in federal budget

The House version of the federal Agriculture Department budget contains $371,250 to help Carson City repair damage caused by the Waterfall fire.

"As a resident of Carson City, I experienced first hand the devastation of the Waterfall fire," said Rep. Dean Heller in a press release. "Many communities in Nevada have difficulty dealing with the erosion and watershed problems that come in the wake of these devastating wildfires."

The fire blackened more than 8,700 acres on Carson City's west side in 2004.

City Manager Linda Ritter said Carson received $375,000 in fiscal 2006 but nothing in the 2007 budget cycle. Most of that money was used to survey the damage and plan the repairs needed.

Carson officials asked for $1,825,000 for reforestation and erosion control this year but will be happy to get $371,000.

"We'll take baby steps," she said adding that the total needed is estimated at $12 million to $17 million.

She said erosion is the big concern now that the vegetation is gone.

"We need some place for the water to go," she said. "We've built houses on the alluvial fans."

That means the city needs to buy some property to provide a new drainage path for the runoff.

Drainage channels are planned to improve that flow. The city is also planning reforestation with native plants to stabilize the slopes. Logs and other structures will be used as well.

Ritter said Sens. John Ensign, R-Nev., and Harry Reid, D-Nev., are also supporting the funding so the city is hopeful it will be in the final appropriations legislation.

• Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.