(The Center Square) — Nevada airports have secured over $42 million in federal funding, with the vast majority going to Harry Reid International Airport.
Nevada and the Las Vegas area have experienced a major tourism rebound in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the state’s largest industry faces an uncertain future, new funds are pouring nto the infrastructure supporting tourism efforts.
“Nevada’s airports are essential to our state’s tourism economy,” said U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, in a press release. “This funding will help modernize infrastructure, improve safety, and support the continued growth of communities across our state.”
The Department of Transportation funds are spread across the Silver State, benefitting nine airports. Harry Reid International Airport, which serves the Las Vegas area, has received the lion’s share — over $41 million. The money was billed for runway, baggage handling and drainage system improvements.
This May alone saw nearly 5 million travellers pass through Harry Reid International Airport, a considerable increase from April, but a 3.7% dip from last year. The University of Nevada Las Vegas Center for Business and Economic Research predicted a downturn for Nevada tourism in the coming years, including a 5.8% decrease for 2025.
For the eight other Nevada airports that received DOT funds, none made over $500,000. The reasons for the funding varied by site, but for several of the municipal, county and reservation airports, the money can go a long way.
The Carson City Airport had an income of just over $320,000 from July 2024 to June 2025, but received $305,000 from the DOT’s grant. The funds were dedicated for repavement projects.
One airport that was not included in the grant is the Reno-Tahoe International Airport – the only other international airport in Nevada outside of Harry Reid. While considerably smaller than its Las Vegas neighbor, Reno-Tahoe still saw 4.8 million passengers in 2024. The state’s second largest airport also generates an estimated $3.1 billion in annual economic impact for the state.
Reno-Tahoe did not release a statement on why it was not included in the federal funds.
