Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $750,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism and Create Jobs in Hogansville, Georgia
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $750,000 grant to the city of Hogansville, Georgia, to support the rehabilitation of the vacant Royal Theater. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.
This project will support the long-term recovery of tourism in the region by renovating an existing space to create a centerpiece to better attract film- and theater-going audiences through architectural upgrades, equipment installation, and infrastructure improvements. The EDA investment will be matched with $250,730 in local funds.
“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies designed to boost tourism and build a better America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will reimagine the vacant Royal Theater, bringing tenants and jobs to the community while supporting the local tourism industry.”
“It’s great to see that the American Rescue Plan, more than a year after it was signed, is still providing much-needed relief to Georgians,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “This grant will uplift the downtown and tourism industry of Hogansville and I am glad to see the Economic Development Administration prioritizing businesses in Georgia.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Three Rivers Planning and Development District (Three Rivers). EDA funds Three Rivers to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.
This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.