Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tourism Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors trim tourism grant requests, approve awards for Seneca Lake Resorts and holiday lighting
Summary
Seneca County’s tourism committee amended requests and approved awards for local events: Seneca Lake Resorts received a $2,500 tourism promotion award (reduced from $10,000), and organizers of 'It’s a Wonderful Light' were approved for funding consistent with program caps after amendments and removal of fireworks language.
The Economic Development, Tourism and Housing Committee on June 24 amended and approved tourism promotion funds for two local events.
Committee members discussed a $10,000 request from Seneca Lake Resorts for a July 4 celebration; the committee chair and members said the county’s tourism program treats community celebrations as eligible for a $2,500 maximum, and the motion was amended to that amount before approval. A committee member said the event is free to attend (though park parking carries a fee) and brings visitors to Ovid and surrounding communities.
The committee also considered a request for the holiday event “It’s a Wonderful Light.” Meeting materials indicated a larger original request (the presenter said the initial proposal had sought $50,000); committee staff and a supervisor said they amended the draft resolution to $2,000 before the vote. Committee members discussed the event’s nonprofit status, overall budget and local matching commitments — the presenter said local partners (including a foundation) planned to contribute $15,000 and the event committee expected to dedicate local funds as well. Committee members removed references to fireworks in the resolution prior to approving the amended award.
Supervisor Jeff Trout thanked organizers for attending and said the events generate outside visitation and help tourism. The committee approved both amended awards by voice vote.
Members also used the committee time to note a trail easement that was set to expire the next day and to thank local partners for recent airport and community events.
The committee did not approve the original larger awards; both grants were reduced to fit program guidelines and approved as amended.
