Lincoln and Lancaster County officials on Thursday announced the availability of $5 million in assistance for local nonprofit tourist attractions impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The funding is made available by the American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The money will be distributed to nonprofits to cover six months of operating expenses up to $1 million dollars. Applications will be accepted June 1 through 14 from eligible nonprofits including foundations, sports associations, and arts and cultural organizations.
A committee of City and County officials will review the applications. “The nonprofits in our community produce outstanding events all year long, events that bring residents, visitors and tourists, together for sports and entertainment,” says Mayor Gaylor Baird. ”These organizations and events are important to our City’s vitality and economy. These funds are intended to help this important sector recover from the revenue losses during the pandemic and to support new programming.”
Jeff Maul, executive director of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, says the efforts of the City and County to help tourist attractions is a key component of the ongoing recovery for travel and tourism in the community. “We are excited to see even more returning visitors and new visitors alike coming into Lincoln as local attractions showcase what makes Lincoln special. While work remains, the assistance for our tourist attractions will help them continue to grow in their mission and what we can offer as a community.”
Information about the program and the application for funding are available at lincoln.ne.gov/ARP.