$1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism in Cottage Grove
September 21 – This week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.1 million grant to the Bohemia Foundation to support the growth of the local tourism sector by making parks improvements in Cottage Grove. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.
This grant will support the construction of an entry plaza at Cottage Grove’s Bohemian Park, improving the visitor experience and boosting local tourism. This EDA grant will be matched with $274,450 in local funds.
“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 Cottage Grove will help the region’s tourism sector not only recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger for the future.”
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said, “The EDA is dedicated to working with communities to support their locally-driven strategies to recover and rebuild from the pandemic. This project will provide a new amenity for visitors to Cottage Grove, creating the potential for increased economic opportunity and jobs.”
Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden stated, “Getting outdoors is embedded in our DNA as Oregonians, and this federal investment will help make that outdoors experience even better in Cottage Grove while also generating tourism jobs throughout the community. I’m glad the American Rescue Plan I worked to make into law is making a real difference for everybody visiting Bohemia Park to enjoy some exercise, a concert, a picnic and more.”
Other comments came from U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, who said, “The COVID-19 pandemic took a huge toll on Oregon’s diverse tourism industry, and many communities are continuing to produce creative solutions to bounce back. This EDA funding going to the Bohemia Foundation for park improvements in Cottage Grove will help further fuel their economic recovery and create spaces in the community for both visitors and residents to enjoy. I am excited to see how this investment will uplift Cottage Grove for years to come.”
U.S. Rep Peter DeFazio said, “This grant to improve Bohemia Park is a wonderful investment in the community of Cottage Grove. Community members and visitors alike will benefit from this project and continue to enjoy the park for decades to come.”
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.
