Senator celebrates U.S. 50 completion and outdoor recreation in Ely visit

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) joined City of Ely leaders and Nevada Department of Transportation officials to celebrate the completion of major renovations along U.S. Highway 50. The infrastructure project was backed by more than $24 million in federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure and Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant funding secured in 2023.

Serving as a primary commercial corridor into downtown Ely, U.S. 50 carries regional traffic and visitors traveling from Carson City. The roadway renovations were engineered to improve motorist safety, support local small businesses and modernize corridor infrastructure while preserving the historic character of downtown Ely.

“One of the most important aspects of my job as a United States Senator is making sure Nevada gets the federal funding we need to improve our communities and help families in every corner of our state thrive,” Rosen said. “U.S. 50 is a critical gateway for downtown Ely, bringing visitors all the way from Carson City and supporting the local economy. That’s why this project is critical for the resilience of downtown Ely and the surrounding small businesses, and I’m proud to have been present to inaugurate it.”

Nevada Department of Transportation Director Tracy Larkin Thomason commended the construction and engineering personnel who delivered the project while maintaining municipal heritage.

“We work every day to keep Nevadans safe and connected on our highways,” Larkin Thomason said. “I am proud of the engineering and construction teams who not only made this project come to life, but retained the historic charm that defines downtown Ely.”

During her visit to White Pine County, Rosen hosted a roundtable with outdoor recreation and tourism leaders to discuss regional economic diversification, ongoing initiatives and strategic opportunities for rural communities.

Rosen also participated in longstanding local events, attending the White Pine County Fair and Horse Races, a premier regional tourism event established in 1937. Additionally, she joined Mayor Nathan Robertson at the Ely Volunteer Fire Department Barbecue to serve food alongside local volunteer first responders before stopping at Headframe Coffee to highlight federal small business policy initiatives.