EDA ARPA Programs: Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation

Aug 7, 2021 | Funding Opportunities, WPPDC

Understanding EDA ARPA Opportunities  

American Rescue Plan funding enables EDA to provide larger, more transformational investments across the nation while utilizing its greatest strengths, including flexible funding to support community-led economic development. With an emphasis on equity, EDA investments made under the American Rescue Plan will directly benefit previously underserved communities impacted by COVID-19.

EDA is making this funding available through a series of six innovative challenges. WPPDC will breaking down each funding challenge through this email series to help you identify which opportunities are best for your organization’s goals! 

Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation
Two Components – State Tourism Grants & EDA Competitive Tourism Grants

State Tourism Grants – $510 million
State is invited to apply
Governor can designate state agency to receive grant
State can spend directly or make sub-awards
Non-profit DMOs are eligible
Can be used for marketing

EDA Competitive Tourism Grants – $240 million
Deadline: No submission deadline – Applications accepted on an on-going basis, EDA strongly advises applications be submitted by January 31, 2022
Match Requirement: EDA 80% – Match 20% (Non-Federal)

Project Eligibility Overview:

  1. Construction and Non-Construction projects are eligible
  2. Promotion and marketing are NOT eligible
  3. Must align with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
  4. Must be consistent with EDA’s Recovery and Resilience Investment Priorities
  5. Must demonstrate community or regional resiliency
  6. Performance period is 12-48 months and grant funds must be disbursed by September 30, 2027
  7. Project does not have to create or retain jobs but ones that do are more competitive

Eligible Applicants:

  1. District Organizations
  2. Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes
  3. 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
  4. Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
  5. Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State

This includes construction activities where the project is owned by the eligible applicant such as:

  1. Water and stormwater/wastewater improvements
  2. Pier construction and improvements
  3. New outdoor recreation and trail infrastructure and public access enhancements
  4. Nature-based infrastructure projects to improve access to recreation
  5. Cultural, arts, and tourism facilities (e.g., visitor or tourist information centers)
  6.  Workforce training facilities and capacity building programs
  7. Accessibility enhancements
  8. Country-wide or multi-state travel, tourism, or outdoor recreation promotion