The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Travel & Tourism Division will provide a combined $53,920 in Attraction Development Grant funding to two Kansas organizations to develop tourism projects. The recipients are the Kansas Children’s Discover Center Inc. and the Wamego Community Foundation. They will match the Department’s investment with a combined $6,658,886 in leveraged funds, bringing the total value of the projects to $6,712,806.

The Attraction Development Grant Program assists the development of authentic experiences that encourage travelers to visit Kansas. Grants may be used for various activities necessary to expand the tourism product base or develop new attractions. The grant funds up to 40 percent of a project, with the community or businesses funding the remaining 60 percent.

“The Attraction Development Grant Program serves a great purpose in helping tourism destinations reach their full potential,” said the Department’s Travel & Tourism Director Becky Blake. “These are two very deserving projects that will enhance their communities through increased tourism.”

Funding for the Attraction Development Grant Program is provided by the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, which is derived from lottery proceeds. Grant guidelines and applications are available at www.TravelKS.com under the “Tourism Industry” link. Project descriptions follow:

Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Inc. (Topeka)
• Attraction Development Grant: $50,000
• Total Leveraged: $6,653,000
• Total Project Value: $6,703,000
Funding will assist with the building of the center’s outdoor learning area. The center is an interactive, hands-on facility where children ages 10 years and younger learn by doing, seeing, touching and experience. Learn more about the center at www.kansasdiscovery.org.

Wamego Community Foundation
• Attraction Development Grant: $3,920
• Total Leveraged: $5,886
• Total Project Value: $9,806
Funding will assist with the creation of the “Yellow Brick Road” to compliment other OZ related businesses. The Yellow Brick Road will be located across from the OZ museum in downtown Wamego between two businesses and will be a pathway to the city park. Learn more about the foundation at www.thewcf.org.