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Last updated on Monday, March 12, 2018
(UNDATED) - Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and chairs the Indiana Tourism Council announced that $470,000 in matching grants were awarded.
"Indiana Tourism's grant program rewards large, unique projects that enhance the destination appeal of communities and regions across the state," said Crouch. "I am inspired by the collaboration and commitment the recipients of this year's grants that helps take tourism and economic development in the state to the Next Level."
The Indiana Railway Museum, Inc. was awarded $250,000 to restore and refurbish two historic first class passenger cars. Completion of the project will allow the museum to increase train service between French Lick and Jasper. The museum will be able to provide regular dinner train service, corporate and private dinner trains, expansion of special events, such as The Polar Express Train. The project is expected to provide new services and economic benefit to Orange and Dubois counties.
The City of Jeffersonville was awarded $220, 000 for the development of its Arts and Cultural District. The money will be used to create a home for artists, makers, historians, inventors and others to have workspace in underutilized buildings and green-spaces. The District will become a regional draw for citizens and visitors alike. The matching grant will allow shipping containers to become artisan cubes and rail cars to become restaurants. The Arts and Cultural Districts links to others tourism assets in area.
"The Indiana Railway Museum and the City of Jeffersonville are both committed to the development and the improvement of their respective areas," said IOTD executive director, Mark Newman. "That's why IOTD's Destination Development Grant Program was created, to make destinations more desirable to visit and to live."
You can find more information about IOTD's grant programs by clicking here.
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