CHADRON – The Dawes County Travel Board is extending its suspension on the acceptance of Improvement grant applications until at least January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The board had previously voted to suspend Improvement grant applications until October 2020.
“Improvement grants are designed to improve tourist attraction infrastructure in Northwest Nebraska and serve as an important source of funding to keep the tourist industry vibrant,” said Discover Northwest Nebraska Director Kerri Rempp. “However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the industry to such a degree that the Dawes County Travel Board has experienced significant decreases in revenue, making it difficult to fund requests at this time.”
The board will review the suspension of applications at the end of 2020 and determine if revenues have rebounded enough to resume accepting applications. Funding for previously approved grants will still be allocated when the board receives a final report and receipts for eligible expenses.
The Dawes County Travel Board will continue to accept Promotion grants for events, all of which will be carefully considered on a case-by-case basis.
The proceeds of a lodging tax on motel/hotel/campground lodging in Dawes and Sioux counties provide the money for both the Promotion and Improvement funds, which are authorized under the Nebraska Visitors Development Act.