Washington Co. Chamber allocates more than $400K in tourism grants
Funds will help promote events, upgrade tourist attractions
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agency are releasing more than $400,000 in grants to help local organizations and communities to promote upcoming events, improve tourist attractions and celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
The chamber announced 13 grants for marketing events and eight for capital improvement projects at various facilities, along with another 10 grants to local municipalities through the tourism agency’s American Spirit campaign.
The total allotment adds up to $430,447 in this latest round of grants in Washington County. Jeff Kotula, who is president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency, said “outdoor recreation and authentic tourism experiences” are big drivers of the county’s economy, bringing in people from across the region to visit the area and spend money at local businesses and attractions.
“From our trail systems and waterways to our community festivals and sporting attractions, these assets are critical to both our quality of life and our ability to attract visitors,” Kotula said. “Targeted investments like these will assist our partners in strengthening their offerings, expanding accessibility, and ensuring that Washington County remains competitive in today’s tourism economy.”
One of the biggest recipients was World Series Tournaments Inc., which received $15,000 to market the PONY League World Series, along with another $30,000 grant for capital improvements.
Outdoor activities were also high on the list, with Burgettstown Borough receiving $8,000 to boost awareness about the Panhandle Trail that rolls through town, along with another $18,000 given to the Montour Trail to help improve trailhead access.
Washington County will receive $14,000 for various enhancements to help with fishing, boating and other recreation at its county park at Cross Creek Lake, while Peters Township is getting $20,000 to build a new kayak launch at Peters Lake Park.
Other major grants include $25,000 to the Canonsburg Educational & Cultural Institute, $20,000 to the Bradford House Historical Association and $15,000 each to the Washington County Fair, Washington Trotting Association and Washington Frontier League Baseball.
“These investments represent a balanced approach to tourism development – supporting both the physical assets that attract visitors and promoting events that create memorable experiences,” Kotula said in a written statement. “Whether it is a family outing to the county fair, a cyclist exploring the trails or an international team traveling to the PONY League World Series, these investments are aimed at ensuring that Washington County and our partners deliver a high-quality, accessible and engaging destination.”
The 21 marketing and capital improvement grants total $239,250. There is also a combined $191,197 going to 10 communities in this round of the American Spirit initiative, which all 66 municipalities in Washington County will receive as part of the country’s semiquincentennial celebration this year.
Those projects are designed to build or upgrade new veterans memorials, park developments, signage and other improvements to public spaces to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.