Changes to innovative tourism grants clear first round

A bill that would make changes to tourism grants was narrowed before being advanced to the second round of debate April 24.

Under LB560 as introduced by Lincoln Sen. George Dungan, the Nebraska Tourism Commission would be directed to prioritize cities and villages with creative districts when awarding innovative tourism grants. The measure also would require the commission to award up to $500,000 in innovative tourism grants each fiscal year.

A Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee amendment, adopted 34-0, would remove the prioritization provision for communities with creative districts.

Dungan said the intention of the bill is to provide greater access to innovative tourism grants for creative districts, which are designated areas in cities and villages that are certified by the Nebraska Arts Council and focus on artistic and cultural promotion and preservation.

LB560 would not appropriate new funds for grants, he said, but simply would set aside $500,000 annually in existing Tourism Commission funds specifically for marketing grants. In discussions of ways to strengthen creative districts, a consistent theme was marketing assistance, he said.

“It is really amazing to go to these places and see the revitalization that’s happened in some communities and also see the excitement when you visit these communities as well,” Dungan said.

Kearney Sen. Stan Clouse supported the bill and the amendment. Creative districts add value to Nebraska communities, he said, and boosting their marketing ability through the Tourism Commission by using existing lodging taxes  would be “money well spent.”

Lawmakers gave LB560 first-round approval on a 36-0 vote.