EDA American Rescue Plan Act funding program: Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation

As part of its $3 billion American Rescue Plan Act funding, EDA has allocated $750 million to the Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program which aims to assist communities that have suffered economic injury because of job losses in the travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors.

The program is divided into two grants:

  • $510 million for State Tourism Grants 
  • $240 million for EDA Competitive Tourism Grants 

State Tourism Grants: $510 million

State Tourism Grants are non-competitive awards allocated to states and territories to invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce, etc. EDA has sent letters to governors (or equivalent) of each state, district, and territory inviting them to apply. Applications are due 60 days after the invitation has been sent. Recipients can use these funds at their discretion and either spend the award themselves and/or competitively sub-award funds. Awards will be made by November 2021 and the last day to incur costs is May 31, 2027.

Eligible uses of grants include:

  • Tourism marketing and promotion 
  • Workforce training 
  • Economic development planning and coordination 
  • Upgrades to existing travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation infrastructure 
  • New infrastructure projects 
  • Other uses approved by EDA

Competitive Tourism Grants: $240 million

Competitive Tourism Grants are for those that may not be able to benefit from the State Tourism Grants and aim to support regions that were most adversely affected by the pandemic in travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation sectors. Applicants must notify EDA if they are receiving or seeking other funding for the project, including funding from a State Tourism Grant. EDA expects to fund approximately 80 percent of projects. Organizations that apply for a Competitive Tourism Grant will need to bring in 20 percent in non-federal funds to support their project though this may change depending on the grant proposal. 

Competitive Tourism Grants are awarded on a rolling basis. The grant applications opened on July 23, 2021, and applicants are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2022. Funds will be obligated by September 30, 2022, and the award period of performance ends on May 31, 2027. 

Eligible entities include:

  • District Organizations of an EDA-designated Economic Development District
  • Indian Tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes
  • Political subdivisions of a state
  • Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education
  • Public or private nonprofit organizations or associations acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a state

Eligible uses of the grant include:

Strategy development for travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation

  • Recovery project implementation, including construction that supports travel, tourism, and recreation sectors
  • Diversification projects 

Note: Local and regional tourism marketing and promotion are only eligible for State Tourism Grants. 

Steps to apply

  1. Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity and eligibility requirements.
  2. Find your Economic Development District for planning support and technical assistance.
  3. Connect with your state’s Economic Development Representative with specific questions or project ideas.
  4. Send general questions about EDA’s Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation opportunities to [email protected].