SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured over $615,000 to support projects along Route 66, market local destinations and attractions, and promote Illinois internationally.
“Springfield has a number of attractions that bring visitors here from across the country,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Continuing to make strong investments to drive the tourism industry helps boost our local economies. Central Illinois has so much to offer, and investments like these show the world it’s a great place to be.”
Through the International Tourism Grant Program, Springfield received nearly $160,000 to be used for tradeshows and sales missions, memberships, marketing campaigns, and digital and print media. Grant funding will also be used to help evolve the Springfield's History Comes Alive program into a multi-seasonal program, offering curated experiences in spring and fall in addition to the current summer program. Funds will also be used for print, media advertising and FAM tours in cooperation with the Illinois Office of Tourism.
The $2 million Route 66 Grant Program supports projects that promote, develop and preserve destinations along the Illinois Route 66 corridor during the highway’s centennial year. Springfield was also awarded nearly $355,000 to fund multiple projects, including five new Route 66-themed murals that will be installed downtown.
Through the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will provide matching grants to assist in the promotion of tourism attractions, destinations and events in Illinois. The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance received over $30,000 to update and expand the Illinois Wine Guide magazine and the Illinois Wine Map brochure. Additionally, the Illinois Route 66 Heritage Project received $15,000 to support the research, updates, graphic design and professional layout of the 2027 Illinois Route 66 Visitor Guide in support of the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway. Looking for Lincoln received over $56,000 to promote heritage tourism throughout the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
“Springfield is the heart of Route 66 in Illinois,” said Turner. “With this funding, we have a great opportunity to showcase its ties to the capital city and Central Illinois.”
The full list of grant recipients for the International Tourism Grant Program can be found here. The full list of grant recipients for the Route 66 Grant Program can be found here. The full list of grant recipients for the Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Program can be found here.
