By: Ryan Duey

Photo Courtesy of Kansas Tourism

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that $1 million in Attraction Development Grant funding has been awarded to support tourism development projects across Kansas. The grants will support 22 projects to enhance visitor experiences while encouraging job creation, private investment, and increased travel to local communities. Grant recipients will contribute more than $12 million in matching funds to help complete the projects.

Two organizations in north-central Kansas were among the recipients. The historic Brown Grand Opera House received $55,000 to upgrade its theater lighting and sound systems as part of its “Giving Voice to the Past, Illuminating the Future” capital campaign. Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina was awarded $75,000 to support the construction of a new 70,000-square-foot habitat for Amur tigers.

According to Bridgette Jobe, director of Kansas Tourism, the program helps bring unique, locally inspired ideas to life while strengthening regional economies.