Back

County calls for capital grants applications for lodging tax dollars

On Feb. 1, the Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, or LTAC, opens the grant application process for groups and municipalities seeking lodging tax dollars for capital projects, or capital improvement projects, that will help attract overnight visitors to the county.

County lodging tax revenues must be used for tourism promotion, acquisition of tourism-related facilities, or the operation of tourism-related facilities per RCW 67.28.1815.-1816. This application period is specifically for capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities.

Projects will be considered capital if the funds are used for land and improvements to land, buildings and building improvements, parking lots, vehicles, machinery and equipment, works of art or historical treasures, infrastructure assets, such as roads, bridges, sidewalks, water lines, sewers, drainage systems and intangible assets, such as easements, water rights, timber rights and computer software.

The application period is open until 5 p.m. on March 15. LTAC will review applications at its March meeting. Successful grants will be considered utilizing the following criteria:

  • Increases tourism and convention activity in Chelan County
  • Boosts overnight stays and/or increases retail sales primarily in unincorporated Chelan County
  • The availability of funds. The current funding available for capital projects is $420,000
  • Meets reporting requirements of the State law
  • Overall economic impact to Chelan County

 

HOW TO APPLY

The application is a fillable PDF form that can be downloaded here. When you complete your application, it and any attachments can be emailed to CM.LTAC@co.chelan.wa.us. Please email us with any questions as well.

Download: 2024 Application

 

REQUIREMENTS

Turn in a complete, signed and timely application. The March 15 deadline is final; no applications for 2024 funding will be taken after 5 p.m. on that date.

Your budget must accompany your application, showing the use of your organizations’ and the county’s matching funds. Funds may not be used for administrative costs.

A follow-up report must be given within 90 days of the conclusion of the project to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee showing the impact of the funding on the community, ie: attendance, impact on the occupancy/retail sales, publicity, etc. The report is to include receipts showing how the organization's and Chelan County’s lodging tax dollars were used.

 

Lodging tax dollars are generated by local lodging establishments. In Chelan County, about half the money generated in a year is allocated to six local chambers as well as the Cascade Loop, Ohme Gardens and TREAD. Another portion is used to operate the county’s Visit Chelan County campaign. The remaining money is offered annually in the form of grants to tourist-related organizations. The Events and Marketing grants annual application period is Sept. 1 to Oct. 15, and the Capital grants annual application period is Feb. 1 to March 15. Applications are posted when the grant cycles open.

Last Updated: 01/31/2024 04:02 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 22
    May 2024
    06:30 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - May 22, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 15
    May 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Chelan County Fire District 3 station
  • 13
    May 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Final day to withdraw from the ballot

  • 10
    May 2024
    05:00 PM - 05:30 PM

    Lot Drawing for Candidates

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    Lot drawing for candidates placement on the ballot.

    Chelan County Elections Office
  • 08
    May 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on May 8, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, ES Conference Room.