Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) will reopen its cycle for tourism capital projects Jan. 1, 2024. $600,000 is available for projects that benefit visitors and residents alike. Applications for this cycle are due June 1, 2024.
Under state legislation, the JCTDA may expend one-third of its annual budget on brick-and-mortar capital projects to include convention and conference centers, arenas and stadiums, sports facilities, performing arts venues, museums and other attractions, parks, greenways, trails, other placemaking initiatives like streetscapes and public art, wayfinding and more.
With the new TCPF, funds are available for projects that are owned and operated publicly or by nonprofits. A one-to-one match is required. Eligible projects include:
• New construction, expansion, renovation, or a replacement project for an existing facility or facilities. The project must have a total cost of at least $25,000 over the life of the project and a useful life of at least 10 years.
• A purchase of major equipment (assets) costing $25,000 or more with a useful life of at least 10 years.
• A major maintenance or rehabilitation project for existing facilities with a cost of $25,000 or more and a useful life of at least 10 years.
In 2023, the JCTDA awarded funding to the Town of Sylva ($367,757) for Bridge Park improvements and the Town of Dillsboro ($125,000) for Monteith Park improvements.
Full details of the TCPF program and an application is available on JacksonCountytda.com under the ‘TCPF’ tab.
Projects recommended by the JCTDA full board will have to be approved by Jackson County commissioners.
For more information on the TCPF, contact JCTDA Executive Director Nick Breedlove by email at Director@DiscoverJacksonNC.com or by telephone at 828.339.1160.