BOSTON—The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5.9 million in grants to 61 cultural and tourism projects through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's Destination Development Capital (DDC) grant program, which supports projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions.

 

"Massachusetts is a world-class destination thanks to our rich culture and iconic landmarks," said Governor Maura Healey. "With these grants, we are supporting small businesses, driving job creation, and investing in local and regional economies across the state. Many of the destinations we are supporting with these grants are tied to our revolutionary past and will have a critical role to play in our upcoming MA250 celebrations."

 

This round of competitive grants is designed to strengthen the state's economy by investing in tourism infrastructure and experiences. Grant recipients will use the funds to expand, construct, restore, or renovate their facilities and attractions. Projects funded in this round will preserve historic town halls, create interactive tourism experiences, and design multi-media exhibits.

 

Approximately 15 percent of this year's grants will support revitalization efforts in five Massachusetts Gateway Cities, an investment that will help transform these urban centers into vibrant destinations, boosting tourism statewide.

 

"Tourism, the arts, and cultural institutions are important drivers of our economy here in Massachusetts, and perhaps nowhere more so than in the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts. The Destination Development Capital Grant program is an important partnership where state government is able to directly support the local institutions that grow jobs, provide educational experiences, and enhance the lives and vibrancy of our communities,” said State Senator Paul Mark. "I am grateful to the Healey Driscoll administration for their hard work ensuring that every part of our Commonwealth is receiving the support needed for our tourism economy to thrive."

 

Included in the grants received were more than $1 million in grants, over 16 percent of the total grants awarded, to local initiatives in the district. These include:

 

-$125,000 to the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Lenox

-$40,000 to Community Images in Williamstown

-$150,000 to the W.E.B. DuBois Memorial in Great Barrington

-$125,000 to Hancock Shaker Village in Hancock

-$7,000 to the Lee Chamber of Commerce

-$200,000 to The Mount in Lenox

-$100,000 to the Sterling and Francine Clark Institute in Williamstown

-$55,000 to the Ventfort Hall Association in Lenox

-$200,000 to Jacob's Pillow in Becket