Wisconsin tourism and entertainment businesses are getting $140 million in grants
Sarah HauerTourism and entertainment businesses in Wisconsin will receive more than $140 million in grants, Gov. Tony Evers announced Thursday.
The money will go toward industries hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic like live event venues, movie theaters, summer camps, minor league sports and the lodging industry. The largest chunk of the grant money — $75 million — will go toward lodging grants.
Businesses and organizations in Wisconsin's tourism and entertainment industries will receive the grants.
“Whether it's an urban or a rural destination, these investments will help make sure that local venues and businesses come out of this pandemic ready to welcome folks from communities around Wisconsin and across the country," Evers said in the news release announcing the funding. "Wisconsin is the best place to live, play, and work, and investing in businesses that promote culture and entertainment in our communities will pay dividends for Wisconsinites and communities across our state.”
The $140 million in grants will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and administered by the state Department of Administration and the Department of Revenue.
The investments include:
- $75 million for lodging grants
- $11.25 million for movie theaters
- $12 million for live event small businesses
- $2.8 million for minor league sports teams
- $10 million for live venues
- $15 million for destination marketing organizations
- $8 million for summer camps
- $1 million for the Wisconsin Historical Society to assist in reopening historical sites
- $7.5 million to increase marketing support for Wisconsin's tourism industry
“Last year, local venues kept their doors closed to help protect their communities," said DOA Secretary Joel Brennan in the news release.
"Now that nearly half of all Wisconsinites have received at least one dose of the vaccine, life is returning to normal—minor league ball games are welcoming back families, theaters are reopening, and concert venues are booking new shows. These investments will ensure our communities bounce back stronger than before.”
Sarah Hauer can be reached at shauer@journalsentinel.com or on Instagram @HauerSarah and Twitter @SarahHauer. Subscribe to her weekly newsletter Be MKE at jsonline.com/bemke.