$500,000 to enhance tourism in Kansas have been awarded
TOPEKA (KSNT) - A state official has announced its giving half a million dollars to 14 awardees to help develop tourism in the Sunflower State.
Monday, the Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced it has awarded $500,000 in the latest round of funding for the Attraction Development Grant, according to a release from the Kansas Department of Commerce. This grant program helps build up tourism experiences across Kansas with the hopes of boosting the state's economy.
“High-quality tourism attractions play a large role in the economic success our state has seen over the past five years,” Toland said. “By establishing and continuing to invest in quality attractions, we are improving the quality of life for current Kansans and creating more reasons for potential future residents to call Kansas home.”
Fourteen new or existing tourist attractions across the state will receive a portion of funds from the Attraction Development Grant. According to the release, recipients will be matching the investments from the grant for approved projects. That matched total is almost $1.4 million.
“It is exciting to unveil new attractions that give travelers reasons to visit our great state, immerse themselves in our story, and really get to know Kansas,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “With these grant awards, we’re not just building destinations, we’re crafting dreams and shaping the future of tourism in Kansas.”
Below is a list of the 2024 Attraction Development Grant awardees:
| Recipient | County | Amount |
| A&H Farms | Riley County | $23,419.00 |
| Atlas Ad Astra, LLC | Ellsworth County | $80,000.00 |
| Legacy, A regional Community Foundation-Bartlett Arboretum | Sumner County | $2,200.00 |
| Bronwick Farms, LLC | Cheyenne County | $18,777.00 |
| Choose Ottawa County, Rock City Inc. | Ottawa County | $4,153.00 |
| City of Garnett | Anderson County | $94,181.00 |
| Gearhead Curios, LLC | Cherokee County | $12,500.00 |
| Sollo Vineyards LLC/Grace Hill Winery | Harvey County | $20,600.00 |
| Leavenworth County Historical Society | Leavenworth County | $16,000.00 |
| OZ Museum/Columbian Theatre | Pottawatomie County | $40,000.00 |
| Purple Meadows Lavender Farm, LLC | Johnson County | $16,000.00 |
| Republic County Economic Development | Republic County | $20,441.00 |
| Tanganyika Wildlife Park | Sedgwick County | $142,500.00 |
| Gordon Parks Museum Foundation | Bourbon County | $9,229.00 |
To try and receive the Attraction Development Grant, applications will reopen August 1, 2024.
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