Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded $13,553,863 in grant funds to support Nevada’s travel and tourism economy. Cortez Masto worked to secure this funding for Nevada’s hard-hit hospitality industry in the American Rescue Plan. These investments will support marketing, infrastructure, workforce and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business, and international travel.
“Nevada’s hospitality industry was so hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and I made sure that the American Rescue Plan included funding specifically to help it recover. The funding announced today will make vital investments in our travel and tourism sector so the Silver State can safely welcome travelers of all types to our world class amenities. I’ll keep working to ensure that Nevada continues to receive the EDA funding it needs to recover and thrive.”
Senator Cortez Masto supported the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which included her push for $3 billion in funding to assist states with their economic recovery and fought to ensure this funding was directed to communities and states hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, including Nevada. Senator Cortez Masto also introduced legislation to help ensure that of those dollars, 25% were set aside directly for the recovery efforts associated with the loss of tourism and hospitality in places like Nevada.
Senator Cortez Masto has continually worked to support Nevada’s tourism and travel based industries. Last year, she successfully fought the Small Business Administration’s discriminatory ban on casinos under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). She also helped secure the reauthorization of Brand USA through 2027. Brand USA is a public-private partnership that enhances tourism and job creation across the country.
Additional EDA grant funding opportunities are available to Nevada communities through www.Grants.gov.
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