U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Tourism in Macon, Georgia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to Middle Georgia State University, Macon, Georgia, to build an athletic facility and pavilion that will attract visitors to the region. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will provide new facilities for both students and visitors alike while boosting the local tourism and hospitality industries. The EDA investment will be matched with $310,763 in local funds.

“Through the Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program, EDA is focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on these critical economic sectors,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will help attract new visitors to Macon and stimulate the local economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment is an excellent opportunity to leverage a regional asset and build greater economic resiliency in the region’s tourism and hospitality industries.”

“This new athletic facility for Middle Georgia State University is an upgrade for student athletes, the student body, the university, and the whole community,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.

“I am laser-focused on creating jobs and bringing even more tourism to our wonderful state,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “It’s great to see that the EDA will be investing more than $4 million into Dougherty County and Macon’s tourism industries, creating jobs and empowering small businesses across Southern and Middle Georgia.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.