U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism in Guadalupe, California

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.9 million grant to the city of Guadalupe, California, to improve local tourism infrastructure and amenities. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will facilitate the renovation and remodeling of the historic Royal Theater Building, developing it into a centrally located visitor attraction to stimulate local commercial activity. This EDA grant will be matched with $314,879 in local funds and is expected to create 507 jobs, retain 176 jobs, and generate $11.4 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Guadalupe will help the region’s critical tourism sector not only recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger for the future.”

“The Economic Development Administration is dedicated to working with communities to support their locally-driven strategies to recover and rebuild from the pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will support the development of an attractive tourist destination in Guadalupe that can serve as a centerpiece of the local community.”

“California’s scenic Central Coast is home to unforgettable destinations that draw visitors from far and wide,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This funding will breathe new life into a historic landmark in the city of Guadalupe, giving a boost to the region’s vibrant travel and tourism sector. I thank the Biden Administration for investing in this important engine for economic growth in local communities across the Golden State.”

“I was proud to support the American Rescue Plan, which is delivering for communities large and small across California,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This $4.9 million investment to renovate the Royal Theater Building will help drive business in Guadalupe’s downtown, create hundreds of new jobs, and boost the local economy.”

“The American Rescue Plan has been vital to economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m proud of my vote that has delivered billions in support or the Central Coast since it was signed early last year,” said Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24). “I am pleased to see the City of Guadalupe continue to benefit from our landmark bill. With this new grant, Guadalupe will build on our region’s ongoing recovery: preserving jobs and creating new opportunities.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. 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.