Grants to assist communities with strengthening tourism assets
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today that the second round of Tourism Enhancement Grant applications is now open.
The grants are available for counties and cities seeking to enhance existing tourism assets or develop new infrastructure to increase economic impact. The deadline for applications is Nov. 30, 2016.
“We received a strong response during the first round of Tourism Enhancement Grants and provided more than $999,000 in funds to help local communities invest in key tourism assets,” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “Tourism is one of the most important economic drivers in many of Tennessee’s communities. With this second round of grants, we will continue to work in lockstep with the Department of Tourist Development to help communities make smart investments that will have a profound and lasting impact.”
In July, TNECD and Tourist Development awarded Tourism Enhancement Grants to 29 local communities after receiving 61 submissions during the first application round.
“During my listening tour and first round of Tourism Enhancement Grants, leaders across the state showed us that tourism is top of mind as they focus on economic development in their communities,” Assistant Commissioner of Rural Development Amy New said. “Tourism development and economic development go hand-in-hand and we’re excited to partner with more local stakeholders as we strive to build prospering communities throughout Tennessee.”
“It is exciting to see the impact the Tourism Enhancement Grant is making on our communities just after the initial implementation,” Kevin Triplett, commissioner of Tourist Development, said. “We look forward to continuing to work with TNECD through this grant to further assist communities in a way that enhances both the community and tourist experience.”
Funded by the Rural Economic Opportunity Act of 2016, the second round of Tourism Enhancement Grants offers communities grants of up to $50,000 with a match requirement based on economic status. Counties and cities that have a desire to develop a tourism asset plan are also eligible for up to $20,000.
Tourism Enhancement Grants are designed for cities and counties seeking to invest in local tourism infrastructure assets such as stages, boat ramps, scenic pull-offs and other resources that target expanding local tourism.
Interested local governments must submit their completed application by Nov. 30, 2016. Additional information about the grant application is available here or at tn.gov/TourismGrant.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Team Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Tennessee is the only three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Find us on the web: TNECD.com. Follow us on Twitter: @TNECD. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/TNECD.
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