Governor Laura Kelly Announces $1.5 Million Available in Tourism Grants

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced a new grant opportunity to help communities develop or enhance tourism attractions to boost their local economies.

“Our tourism industry supports Kansas jobs, injects millions into our economy and preserves our state’s unique history for future generations,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants will enhance local community efforts to develop quality tourism assets that will grow the economy and improve the quality of life for all Kansans.”

The grant program is the Tourism Attraction Sub-grants for Kansas (TASK) program available through the Kansas Tourism Department. The program offers funding support for public and not-for-profit groups to pursue new or improved tourism attractions, with a total of $1.5 million available. TASK is funded by the American Rescue Plan U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation state grants.

“We are using every tool at our disposal to accelerate travel and tourism across Kansas because of its many far-reaching benefits,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants will help fuel thoughtful investment in attractions across Kansas that create jobs, drive economic growth and improve our communities.”

“This is a great opportunity to add to the already stellar visitor experiences available in Kansas and to inspire more people to explore our great state,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said.

Projects to be funded by TASK would bring new visitors to Kansas, such as museums; sports facilities; sites of natural or cultural significance; significant permanent exhibits; unique or destination-type lodging; conference centers; trails; outdoor activities that spur visitation; destination retail; and others tied to the tourism industry.

The TASK grant application process opens Friday, January 14, 2022, with a March 11, 2022, deadline for submission. Grant awardees will be announced on May 2, 2022. For more information, please visit https://www.travelks.com/travel-industry/programs-and-resources/grants/ or contact Kansas Tourism grant program manager Taylor Hartshorn at [email protected].

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