Governor Reynolds recently announced Destination Iowa – a $100 million investment to improve Iowa’s communities and to attract visitors and potential residents to the state. Funding for this investment is being made available through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Destination Iowa includes four separate project funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attractions, and Creative Placemaking. These project funds will provide new opportunities to create and invest in attractions that will improve Iowa’s profile, welcome out-of-state travelers, and increase travel expenditures, to accelerate tourism’s recovery. It will also spur local economies and contribute to efforts to recruit new members of Iowa’s workforce.
Although Iowa saw record-high numbers of Iowans and out-of-state travelers visiting outdoor attractions and destinations over the last two years, the travel and tourism industry saw a 29% decline in travel expenditure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications will be accepted starting on May 9, 2022, and must be completed by June 30, 2026. A webinar will be held on Friday, April 15, at 10:00 a.m. to explain the program and answer questions.
Visit Iowa EDA’s website for more information.
