Ammons Celebrates New Tourism Development Funding

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, released the following statement regarding the tourism development grant funds made available to projects throughout the district. 

“The Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant Program is a critical component of our state’s mission to make Illinois a great place to live and visit,” Ammons said. “These initiatives not only draw people to our community but also support small businesses and underserved communities.” 

The Tourism Attraction and Festival Grant Program allocated $22.5 million to 89 projects throughout Illinois, supporting organizations, municipalities, and businesses and their tourism-related improvements. 

“Representation and advocacy from my office has helped secure over $1.2 million to directly support our community,” Ammons said. “The process of how the local government supports direct requests to enhance our community and advocacy through the budget process is how we continue to invest in community development.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) awarded money for further construction of the Neil Street Plaza in the City of Champaign. DCEO supported the development of the Champaign County African-American Heritage Trail, recreation area at Skelton Park, and interpretive programs, and a new interactive Critical Hit minigolf attraction to the Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space facility in Urbana. 

“Our community’s small and minority-owned businesses that depend on tourism will certainly receive an added boost once these needed projects are completed,” Ammons said. “I am excited to see this funding go into effect and make a real difference in the lives of so many people,”