Through the Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future.
Eligible applicants for EDA’s Competitive Tourism Grants program include a(n):
District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District
Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions
Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State
Individuals or for-profit entities are not eligible.
Suggested Application Submission Date: Rolling (Competitive Tourism Grants). EDA encourages eligible applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Under this component, EDA will fund travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation projects that include non-construction and construction activities. For the most part, this component is intended to fund projects that are focused on new and expanded infrastructure, projects with a multi-state or national focus, and projects in regions most adversely affected by damage to the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors from the coronavirus pandemic. Through this program, EDA can support both the development of travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation pandemic recovery strategies and the implementation of recovery projects, including in communities adjacent to National Park Service units, State Parks, National Marine Sanctuaries, and other natural destinations. This includes construction activities where the project is owned by the Eligible Applicant such as:
• Water and stormwater/wastewater improvements
• Pier construction and improvements
• New outdoor recreation and trail infrastructure and public access enhancements
• Nature-based infrastructure projects to improve access to recreation
• Cultural, arts, and tourism facilities (e.g., visitor or tourist information centers)
• Workforce training facilities and capacity building programs
• Accessibility enhancements
• Country-wide or multi-state travel, tourism, or outdoor recreation promotion.
Please note the following:
• Because state and local tourism promotion and marketing projects are eligible uses of funds under State Tourism Grants, such projects are not eligible under the EDA Competitive Tourism Grants component.
While EDA prefers projects that directly support the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors, it will consider diversification projects under this component.
• The applicant must clearly notify EDA in the application if the applicant is also seeking or receives any other funding for the project, including funding under a State Tourism Grant.
• All project proposals must be consistent with CDC guidelines for safe travel.
Email your questions about the American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program to TravelandTourism@eda.gov
Visit www.eda.gov/contact to find contact information for your Economic Development Representative
Grant Management Associates has experience with the EDA. Contact us today to schedule a consultation about this opportunity.
More details on the opportunity can be found here: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334748
Estimated Total Program Funding:$240,000,000
Award Ceiling:$10,000,000
Award Floor:$100,000