New York Ag Connection - Senators: More Tourism, Economic Development Funding

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Senators: More Tourism, Economic Development Funding
New York Ag Connection - 07/14/2020

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), co-chairs of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, led 14 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to Congressional leaders calling for additional funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA)'s programs in future coronavirus economic recovery legislation. These programs help drive local economic development projects, develop new industries, build vital infrastructure, and enhance tourism and travel.

Klobuchar and Cortez Masto were joined on the letter by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

While the CARES Act provided the EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare, and respond to the coronavirus as well as eliminated local funding match requirements for EDA programs, additional federal investments will ensure local communities that are reliant on tourism and travel have the resources they need to safely re-open and plan for the future.

"For many years, EDA has provided valuable federal support for a variety of investments, in both rural and urban communities, to help drive locally organized economic development that capitalizes on the unique natural, historic, and cultural assets throughout the country," the senators wrote.

"States, localities, and economic development organizations need these [EDA] investments to help rehabilitate their economies, expand for the future, and help put more of our citizens back to work. This is especially true where whole industries have been decimated by the inability of travelers, both foreign and domestic, to visit our attractions, hotels, and restaurants. A dedication of additional funds to these important sectors would also go to help in managing the cleanliness and sanitation of their sites to help protect travelers, including educating visitors about the precautionary measures that localities and businesses have put in place.

"The EDA's ability and record of investing in vital infrastructure is another reason for why this funding is so necessary," the senators continued.

"Infrastructure such as broadband, water systems, and transportation projects can have a dramatic multiplier effect in helping reshape and broaden the economic vitality of communities both big and small, including our nation's many tribal communities...While the CARES Act provided a vital initial infusion of EDA funding, your support of this request will help further diversify economies, assist in needed workforce development, and enhance quality of life through a more robust economic recovery, especially in rural America."

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, Klobuchar has long championed efforts to support tourism in the U.S. as a way to drive economic growth. Last year, Klobuchar helped secure the reauthorization of Brand USA through 2027. Brand USA is a public-private partnership that enhances tourism and job creation across the country. The program, which was established under the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act of 2009, brings in millions of additional international visitors to the U.S. each year at zero cost to taxpayers.

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