Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth: Recipients of the Clinton County Tourism Grant Program Announced During Commissioners’ Meeting

By Emily Wright

LOCK HAVEN – Recipients of the Clinton County Tourism Grant Program were announced on Monday morning during the Clinton County Commissioners’ bi-weekly work session. Kira Rosamilia, Clinton County Economic Partnership Chamber/Tourism Director, and Matthew Croak, Clinton County Planner/Zoning Officer attended the meeting to announce the list of recipients.

“We received a total of 31 applications with funding requests totaling over $250,000.00,” Croak said. “While we’d like to be able to fund all of our applicants, we were only able to allocate $75,000.00 in funding. It’s important to note that the grant is funded by the hotel tax, which is dedicated to promoting our area and promoting overnight stays in Clinton County,” he added.

The Clinton County Tourism Grant Program, a joint effort by the Clinton County Visitors Bureau and the Clinton County Commissioners, is designed to boost tourism beyond a 50-mile radius and aims to increase visitation from outside the county. Funded through a percentage of the county’s tax on lodging, or, Hotel Tax, this program provides financial support for projects that have the potential to significantly enhance tourism in Clinton County. The program not only anticipates a substantial economic impact, but it also aims to create more job opportunities locally.

The Clinton County Tourism Grant Committee invited proposals from non-profit, for-profit, and government organizations that aim to enhance and expand tourism promotion, development, and overnight stays in the area. The committee particularly encouraged proposals that seek to enhance the overall visitor experience in Clinton County.

The following businesses were awarded funding through the grant program:

1. Thompson House Motel –

Website Development, Marketing & Promotions to attract ATV’s – $2,000

2. Clinton County Arts Council –

Lock Haven Jams Festival – Marketing & Promotions Special Event, Equipment Rental & Performers- $5,545

3. Castanea Twp Rec Committee –

Inaugural Pennsylvania Chestnut Festival Marketing & Promotions Special Event- $2,000

4. Greater Renovo Heritage Park-

Equipment Purchase for Marketing & Promotions – $2,000

5. Spook Haven –

Marketing & Promotions Special Event – $4,283.14

6. Kettle Creek Festival –

Marketing and Promotions Special Event- $4,000

7. Hope 4 Hayze – Truckers 4 Hope Festival –

Marketing & Promotions Special Event – $2,000

8. Millbrook Playhouse –

Marketing and Promotions for Entire Season – $15,000

9. Good Neighbor Craft House – Bands in the Bend & Harvest Host –

Marketing & Promotions, Rental Fee- $1,602.72

10. PATV Endless Mountain Trail –

Marketing & Promotions – $1,586

11. Lucy Heggenstaller – Wild by Nature –

Marketing & Promotions Special Event- $1,000

12. Pine Creek Seed Farm – Corn Maze Fall 2024 Events –

Marketing & Promotions Special Event – $4,283.14

13. Absolutely! Theatre and Fundraising – Lock Haven Fringe Festival –

Marketing and Promotions Special Event – $2,000

14. Pine Creek Twp. Rec Committee – PA Premier League Baseball/Softball Tournament –

Marketing and Promotions Sports Tournaments – $4,000

15. City of Lock Haven – Summer Concert Series –

Marketing and Promotions Special Event – $2,000

16. Clinton County Historical Society – Wine in the Wilds –

Rental Assistance – $2,000

17. Lock Haven Regatta –

Website Development, Marketing & Promotions – $7,700

18. ReVibe Outdoors –

Event Expense for Little Loggers Projects – $6,000

19. Sentimental Journey – Fly In –

Website Development, Marketing & Promotions Special Event – $6,000

Following this announcement, grantees will receive a document outlining the terms and conditions of the grant, including more details on how the funding can be used to promote tourism and overnight stays in Clinton County. Grantees are required to review and sign this document within one week.

“We want to congratulate all the grant recipients. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of your projects on our county tourism industry. Thank you once again to the members of the grant committee for your hard work and dedication,” Rosamilia said.

Croak also addressed the commissioners to discuss applying for grant funding offered through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The Community Parks and Recreation Grant issued through DCNR, aims to build a connection between community members and the outdoors. The grant provides funding and technical assistance support to help communities with improvement projects for public parks, recreational facilities, and conservation areas.

“What the Greenway Plan is, it kind of lays the groundwork for future recreation projects such as new parks and athletic facilities, and it kind of pinpoints different watersheds and river systems, greenways, open spaces, and critical habitat. It’s kind of the groundwork and blueprint for anything you want to do recreation-wise or target areas for tourism in the county,” Croak explained.

The Clinton County Greenways and Open Space Plan helps to identify areas for parks, trails, and green spaces such as nature trails. The plan’s mission is to build a system of multi-modal trails that can be used by community members and visitors while also promoting tourism, attracting new businesses to the area, preserving and protecting wildlife, waterways and scenic areas, and overall making the county a better place to live.