From Harford County government:
Harford County will begin accepting funding applications in February from local nonprofits promoting tourism and related activities in the fiscal year 2020. The application deadline is March 22, 2019.
Now in its fifth year, Harford’s competitive funding program was established by County Executive Barry Glassman to reinvest revenue from the hotel/lodging fee in cultural, historical, museum, eco-tourism, and sports-tourism activities. These attractions benefit local residents and draw visitors from outside the county, generating economic benefits through admissions, dining and potential overnight stays. Last year, tourism-related funds were awarded to 28 nonprofits across Harford County totaling $1.5 million.
Funding eligibility is limited to 501(c) 3 and 501(c) 6 organizations involved in tourism and related activities. This year’s funding awards are for operating programmatic initiatives only, for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2019 and ends on June 30, 2020.
All qualifying nonprofits interested in applying should attend one of the following workshops.
· Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Harford County Office of Community & Economic Development
2021-D Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD 21078
· Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
Harford County Office of Community & Economic Development
15 S. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
Each one-hour workshop will provide an overview of the program and a review of the application process; however, due to space limitations, only one representative from each nonprofit should attend. Registration is required by email at commdev@harfordcountymd.gov.
Beginning Friday, February 15, application packets will be available online at http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/1373/Tourism-Funding-Application. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2019.
Harford County’s tourism-related funding program is administered by the Harford County Office of Community & Economic Development and the Tourism Activity Review Committee (TARC), which reviews applications and makes award recommendations to County Executive Glassman. Questions may be directed to Barbara Richardson at 410-638-3045 ext. 1362 or by email to bwrichardson@harfordcountymd.gov.
K says
Great idea, more cars on the roads, at our parks, spewing pollution. That’s a big plus for those of us living in Harford County. How does the deforestation of land, displacing Harford County’s native flora and fauna, promote an eco-friendly way of life for us taxpayer’s in Harford County? Once the influx of gigantic distribution centers is complete, our quality of life will be diminished.
Forever Amber says
I’m afraid most tourist activity will be confined to the areas around I-95 exits where people stop for gas and food and maybe lodging. Mostly, though, they pass through our fair ‘burbs and only stop at Maryland House in the middle if I-95 on their way to other climes.
Let’s face it, Harford County is not exactly a tourist idea of the perfect retreat. Let’s face it, the only real points of interest are the “round-abouts” on Tollgate Road. Politicians have their hands out for perks associated with more commercial development and express no interest in developing parks and recreational areas. I guess there is more political capital in building large apartment complexes and office buildings than in saving the land for the enjoyment of God’s other creations.
Does anyone consider the real cost of tourism? Do they add in the cost to the environment and cleaning up after the tourist go home?
backseat drivers says
I thought you said no one stops here. If that is the case there is no cost to the environment.