A 2012 flash flood forced the Regional Flood Control District to move up the timeline of the $51 million Las Vegas Wash Project, which includes closing the Las Vegas golf course for a reconstruction period that could take 18 months to two years to complete. A large part of the plan is lowering the golf course to prevent future flooding from destroying homes in the area, and a redesign of the golf course will include 16 new holes.

Damage from a 2012 flash flood forced Desert Rose Golf Course in Las Vegas to close June 7 for a reconstruction period that is estimated to take 18 months to two years to complete, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

The 2012 flood devastated many in the area and emphasized the need to reconstruct the golf course. Because of the serious damage to the course and surrounding neighborhood, officials with the Regional Flood Control District moved up the Las Vegas Wash Project on their timeline, the Review-Journal reported.

Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani said the flooding was due to the amount of rain and to the fact that the Las Vegas Wash and the Flamingo Wash converge at the golf course, doubling the amount of water rushing through one place, the Review-Journal reported.

Closing the entire course would speed up the reconstruction period to an estimated 18 months to two years maximum, Giunchigliani said. The course is expected to reopen in 2015, the Review-Journal reported.

Planners with the Regional Flood Control District and the county hosted public information meetings on the project January 30 and June 26 to inform residents of possible strategies against future flooding. During the first meeting, residents asked that the Flamingo Wash be added to the Las Vegas Wash Project to avoid future flooding in that area. As a result, what started as a $35 million project is expected to cost $51 million, the Review-Journal reported.

A big part of the reconstruction plan is lowering the golf course to prevent future flooding from destroying homes in the area. A redesign of the golf course will include 16 new holes, the Review-Journal reported.

Giunchigliani hopes to raise enough money for a new clubhouse at the golf course, too. Even those who don’t golf, enjoy Desert Rose, she said. “It’s not just the golfers who use it; it’s a little community gathering place,” Giunchigliani said.

For displaced Desert Rose golfers who still wish to play, adjusted rates will be offered at various golf courses in Henderson and Las Vegas. Those who previously purchased a Rewards Card can get a prorated refund for any unused portion of the card, the Review-Journal reported.