LAS VEGAS (AP) — An official says the Nevada Department of Transportation is spending about $117,000 to clear makeshift homeless encampments from Las Vegas-area storm drains and culverts.
Department spokesman Tony Illia tells the Las Vegas Sun the state signed a two-year contract with Double Barrel Environmental Services Inc. to do the cleanup work.
Illia says Clark County Social Services officials and Las Vegas police are helping in the cleanup effort.
Flash flooding during mountain thunderstorms like those that rumbled through the Las Vegas area this week can endanger people in the culverts.
Illia says drainage areas are posted with "No Trespassing" signs, and crews alert the homeless that they need to move.
