TOURISM ATTRACTION PROGRAM AVAILABLE FROM DCCA By JAN M. GRAYSON, Director Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs

Want to develop a tourist attraction but just can't seem to find the money? The Tourism Attraction Program (TAP) just may be able to lend a hand.

The Tourism Attraction Program, administered by the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, offers financial assistance for tourism attractions in Illinois. Under this program, DCCA is authorized to provide grants to municipalities and non-profit groups, as well as loans to for-profit businesses, for the development or improvement of tourist sites. Recreation areas, historical sites, museums, bed and breakfasts or other facilities which attract or serve travelers, are the types of projects targeted by TAP.

Funds may be used for a wide variety of activities necessary to improve an existing tourist attraction or develop a new one, i.e., public improvements, construction or renovation of buildings, and installation of machinery and equipment. Projects ineligible for TAP funds are those dealing with strictly promotional items such as brochures, maps and audio-visual presentations.

A loan or grant may be awarded for up to 50 percent of the total amount of expenditures for a single project, not to exceed $40,000. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and the department has $1 million available to fund projects this fiscal year.

One of the first success stories of the Tourism Attraction Program is the Lake Shelbyville "Festival of Lights." This Christmas light show, which ran from November 9, 1990 through February 3, 1991, proved to be a great success. The display consists of over two miles of lights running throughout Eagle Creek State Park. Visitors pass through four separate theme displays depicting everything from a winter wonderland to the spirit of Christmas.

According to the Lake Shelbyville Visitors Association, the festival surpassed all expectations. And, the most gratifying result was that increased economic benefits were felt in surrounding Moultrie and Macon counties as well.

The Visitors Association applied for a $40,000 TAP grant. These funds, combined with over $300,000 in local dollars, allowed the association to create the "Festival of Lights." Plans are already in the works to expand the annual event.

Another successfully completed project of the Tourism Attraction Program is the Vandalia Tourist Information Center. Exterior renovations were performed to make the building more accessible to tourists. The center serves as a focal point in Vandalia, located just off Route 51 and Interstate 70. The facility was originally built over 20 years ago and was badly in need of structural repairs.

The Vandalia Chamber of Commerce applied for a $10,275 TAP grant. These funds were equally matched by the City of Vandalia, utilizing local tourism dollars. In addition to the renovations, the City has also expanded the center parking lot and added picnic tables for lunchtime visitors.

The Vandalia Tourist Information Center is now a very pleasant stop for Illinois tourists. Improvements have not only made it more aesthetically appealing, but safer as well. Inside the building, visitors have access to a wide variety of statewide brochures and maps. The center provides a much-needed service to tourists and the community at large.

Prior to the Tourism Attraction Program, Illinois' main strategy for increasing tourism was to promote existing attractions and provide basic information about accommodations and facilities. With the implementation of this program, Illinois has expanded this strategy to include the actual improvement and development of tourist sites.

In the first year of the program, 29 projects were funded, encompassing 25 different counties in Illinois. Grant requests ranged from $850 to $40,000 and more than 50 percent of all TAP projects involved nationally-registered historic sites. With the proper resources, the Tourism Attraction Program has the potential to increase employment, stimulate investment, and generate additional state and local revenues in Illinois.

For applications and additional program information, contact Vicki Woodard, Manager, Tourism Attraction Program, DCCA, 620 E. Adams, Springfield, Illinois 62701, phone 217/524-0382. •

October 1991 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 7