Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $645,900 grant to Kawerak, Inc., Nome, Alaska, to boost tourism in northwest Alaska by aiding the development of a master plan for preservation of Pilgrim Hot Springs. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will support planning for the preservation of Pilgrim Hot Springs and its future development as a tourist destination.

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is an important part of many local economies across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will lay the foundation for future tourism infrastructure in northwest Alaska to support related business and job growth.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

Original source can be found here.