Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced $5.6 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding they secured to support Nevada’s tourism and outdoor recreation industry. The Nevada Department of Tourism will receive $3.7 million to construct outdoor recreation visitors centers in Boulder City and Carson City to enhance adventure tourism throughout the state. Boulder City will also receive an additional $1.9 million to make tourist-friendly infrastructure upgrades.
“I’ve always stood up for Nevada’s thriving outdoor recreation economy, which brings hundreds of thousands of tourists to the state each year,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I passed legislation to direct economic development funds to tourism projects, and I’m thrilled to deliver these meaningful investments to Nevada.”
“Tourism is the backbone of our economy here in Nevada,” said Senator Rosen. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan that I helped pass, I’m proud to announce our state will receive millions in grant funding to boost the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors, create new opportunities for local businesses to thrive, and support sustainable economic growth.”
“As a state with over 80% public land, outdoor activities will always be a primary tourism asset that requires management through infrastructure,” said Brenda Scolari, Director, Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “The Adventure Centers will serve as regional activity hubs that will provide outdoor enthusiasts with safety and conservation best practices information and connection to vetted local tour guides and outfitters. The Travel Nevada team thanks the EDA for this funding opportunity and their recognition of the impact these facilities will have. We also greatly appreciate the steadfast support of Nevada’s U.S. Senators, who understand the importance of tourism in regional economies. Together, we’ll make Nevada a top destination for outdoor adventure.”
“The Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation is excited to support this innovative project to reduce light pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while providing stellar opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy Boulder City under the stars,” said Colin Robertson, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation. “I applaud the EDA for supporting this tremendous project, and I thank Nevada’s two wonderful U.S. Senators, Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, for their steadfast commitment to advancing sustainable outdoor recreation and tourism in Nevada. Preserving a place’s special qualities like Boulder City’s starry night skies helps ensure these important natural resources can be enjoyed and protected for generations to come.”
The grant funding will be distributed as follows:
- $3.7 million to Nevada Department of Tourism to construct outdoor recreational visitor facilities in Boulder City and Carson City to enhance adventure tourism in the state and bolster the success of associated businesses.
- $1.9 million to support the growth of Boulder City’s tourism infrastructure, including through the installation of light-pollution reducing fixtures to improve night sky viewing.
Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have been champions of Nevada’s tourism economy, supporting the travel and hospitality sectors through comprehensive travel and tourism legislation. In the American Rescue Plan, Senator Cortez Masto secured this dedicated funding for the Economic Development Administration to help states like Nevada that were affected by job and revenue loss, including in the tourism and travel industries. During the height of the pandemic, Cortez Masto and Rosen also delivered resources to the state’s businesses and secured flexibility for the gaming industry.
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