Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $750,000 grant to the city of Jacksonville, North Carolina, to build a local visitor center that will help boost the region’s tourism economy. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.
This project will provide a dedicated support facility for the local tourism industry, helping to bring new visitors to the city and its local businesses. This EDA grant will be matched with $187,500 in local funds.
“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will enable the city of Jacksonville to showcase its community attractions and provide local information to visitors, increasing both tourism and jobs in the community.”
“The travel and tourism industries are a major economic engine for our state,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “It’s important to invest in destinations like Jacksonville that are beautiful and welcoming North Carolina communities.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Eastern Carolina Council (ECC). EDA funds ECC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.
Original source can be found here.
