U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $8 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Promote Tourism in Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $8 million grant to the Maymont Foundation, Richmond, Virginia, to promote regional tourism. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will support development and implementation of marketing campaigns, business technical assistance, and local planning initiatives designed to promote and expand tourism throughout Virginia. This EDA grant will be matched with $2 million in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as it works to recover and rebuild following the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will boost critical tourism and hospitality industries in Virginia while building economic resiliency.”

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies designed to boost tourism and build a better America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide assistance to a variety of initiatives designed to support Virginia’s tourism economy as it rebounds from the economic impacts of the pandemic.”

“For years Maymont has been a premier tourist destination in Richmond,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This grant will be used to expand the amazing opportunities tourists have when they visit Virginia’s historic capital, making the Commonwealth a more sought-after destination in the U.S.”

“Virginia’s culture, history, and natural treasures support our tourism industry, creating jobs and strengthening local economies throughout the Commonwealth,” said Senator Mark Warner. “This $8 Million Economic Development Administration investment will support the Maymont Foundation's efforts to ensure that more people have the opportunity to see what Virginia has to offer.”

“I’m glad Maymont Foundation is receiving funding from the American Rescue Plan, which I helped pass, to promote outdoor recreation in Virginia,” said Senator Tim Kaine. “This will be a great investment to strengthen Virginia’s tourism economy.”

“I was proud to help pass the American Rescue Plan, and I am thrilled to see these additional federal funds flow into Virginia,” said Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04). “Tourism is an important source of revenue for our localities. These funds will help bolster our tourism and recreation industries and stimulate economic activity throughout our great Commonwealth.”

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.