Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Business and Job Growth in the Outdoor Recreation Sector in Boulder City, Nevada

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, Carson City, Nevada, to support the growth of the tourism sector in Boulder City. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will support installation of 2,560 light pollution-reducing lighting fixtures in Boulder City, improving night sky-viewing and the development of tourism-related businesses. The EDA investment will be matched with $617,898 in state and local funds and is expected to create 21 jobs and generate $400,000 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support Boulder City’s tourism sector as it not only recovers from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but builds back stronger for the future.”

“The Economic Development Administration is dedicated to working with communities to support their locally-driven strategies to recover and rebuild from the pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will enhance opportunities for stargazing and night sky-viewing in Boulder City, supporting tourism-related businesses in the area.”

“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 Catherine 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 Jacky 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.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.