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Groups share $45,000 in tourism grants

By SARAH PAEZ

spaez@lockhaven.com

LOCK HAVEN — Fourteen Clinton County organizations will receive $45,000 in grants from the county Tourism Promotion Agency for projects that encourage recreation and tourism in the area.

Julie Brennan, director of the TPA, said this year, the agency awarded the highest amount of grant money ever. Funded through the “room tax,” which is a tax on overnight lodging in the county, the money will go to projects that “bring people into Clinton County,” said Brennan. “These are grants to help these events grow.”

The grants will help projects totaling $165,000. “It makes quite a difference in the county,” said Brennan.

A small committee reviews the submitted projects, and decides if they meet the criteria for the grant.

Commissioner Paul Conklin said he was happy to help award the grants, because they can really make a difference for small organizations.

“This is one of those really “feel good” things you can do as a commissioner,” he said.

Brennan emphasized that since the “room tax” is funded by tourism, the funds don’t weigh down taxpayers.

“Without burden to county taxpayers, we are able to do these kinds of things,” she said.

Organizations and events that received awards are:

r Kettle Creek Music Festival, $3,000 for promotional expenses, hiring bands and renting sound equipment.

r Clinton County Arts Council, $3,250 for Lock Haven JAMS (Jazz & Arts on Main Street) Festival promotional activities, and equipment support at The Station Gallery.

r City of Lock Haven, $3,500 for its 20th Anniversary Summer Concert Series.

r Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven, $3,000 towards bringing in a Douglas C54-E “Berlin Airlift” plane for static display at an event.

r Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park Association, $4,250 to purchase a portable stage and gable tent for outdoor events, including the Poker Float and ATV ride.

r Lock Haven Area Jaycees, $1,500 to purchase a new commercial/range oven for the Jaycee Hall.

r Downtown Lock Haven received two awards. The first is $1,000 for newspaper, magazine and radio advertising. The second is $3,000 for the second phase of the West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail print and digital mapping to enhance the use of waterfront facilities.

r Western Clinton County Recreation Authority, $3,500 for rehabilitation and repair to its front entrance, for safety.

r Clinton County Historical Society, $5,000 for the restoration and preservation of the Castanea Train Station exterior.

r Woodward Township, $1,500 for safety upgrades to the boat launch; adding park benches and pet waste stations.

r Central Mountain ATV Association, $5,000 for the purchase of an equipment trailer for trail maintenance activities.

r Flaming Foliage Festival (via the WCCRA), $4,500 for the parade expense, printing costs for the program book and website maintenance.

r Millbrook Playhouse, $3,000 for print, radio, direct mail, internet and banner and poster advertising for the 2018 season.

Sugar Valley Lions Club and Renovo Borough submitted applications that were not selected. SVLC applied for $6,000 to add an ADA accessible restroom for the American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) soccer fields, with electric and plumbing included in the cost. Renovo applied for $4,533.17 to upgrade a bathroom at Memorial Park.

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