The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) selected a joint venture of Granite Construction and Contri Construction to build two pumping stations and pipelines projected at between $450 to $520 million—parts of a multibillion-dollar effort aimed at bolstering water security and expanding service in the Las Vegas Valley.

The Southern Nevada Construction Partners (SNCP) joint venture has already started preconstruction work on the Rice Pumping Station and Interconnect Pipeline and the Paradise Hills Pumping Station and Pipeline Project. Construction on both is expected to begin in 2027 and finished in 2030. The two contracts issued to the joint venture cover preconstruction work, with final construction contracts to be negotiated closer to the start of construction.

The Rice project includes a new 30 million-gallons-per-day (mgd) pumping station at the existing Thomas Rice Reservoir and Pumping Station site in the western valley. Additionally, a 21,000-linear-ft, 42-in.-dia steel water pipeline will be installed to convey water southwest to the Spring Mountain/Durango Reservoir.

The joint venture was awarded a $15 million preconstruction services agreement in May, and its association with the project was announced on June 25. The project is expected to transition into a construction phase of $100-$120 million, with Granite’s portion being approximately $70 million.

Earlier this week, SNCP announced it had been selected to build the $350-$400 million Paradise Hills Pumping Station and Pipeline Project in Henderson, southeast of Las Vegas.

The work is part of the agency’s multi-billion dollar Horizon Lateral Program aimed at upgrading water delivery services across Southern Nevada. Water deliveries to the area are currently provided by large-diameter transmission pipeline known as the South Valley Lateral (SVL) built three decades ago. 

To meet the demands brought by the rapid development of the region and expected future demand, SNWA developed the Horizon Lateral Program; a two-phase package of related large transmission and storage projects.

The work awarded to SNCP
includes installation of approximately 22,000 linear ft of 120-in.-dia steel water pipeline, featuring up to three trenchless crossings beneath critical infrastructure: an existing 108-in. waterline, Interstate 11; and Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The pipeline will also include multiple valved outlets for future connections to Boulder City, a city of Henderson reservoir, and all parts of SNWA’s Horizon Lateral Program.

As the JV lead, Granite will perform clearing and grubbing operations, structure excavations and backfill, forming and placing of concrete structures, installation of access roads along the pipeline alignment, demolition and restoration of existing roadways, and installation of all pump station structures and equipment. Granite’s total estimated construction contract value is $240 million. Contri will be responsible for installing the 120-in. pipeline and associated fittings.

The Paradise Hills Pumping Station will be built on city of Henderson land and will open with a 35 mgd capacity, with eventual expansion to 65 mgd.