The Kearney Board of Aldermen voted to approve funding for a tourism project to attract more tourists and visitors to Kearney. The proposal was made by the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, and the money would be allocated through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided by the federal government.

Last week the Chamber submitted a proposal for $35,000 to help strengthen Kearney tourism. Executive Director Stacie Bratcher provided a detailed proposal of items that the Chamber could do to boost tourism to Kearney.

“In many communities across the country, the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention & Visitors Bureau are synonymous,” wrote Bratcher in her proposal. “These organizations are usually nonprofit and provide education and resources to local communities and travelers with the aim of promoting travel to a location, events and attractions in the area, and other hospitality business.”

In order for a tourism project like this to succeed, the Chamber will be collaborating with other local hospitality businesses, historic sites, and organizations like the Kearney Enrichment Council.

One of the major parts of the Chamber’s tourism plan is to create a visitor’s bureau and center that people can access to learn about tourist destinations in and around Kearney. The bureau would help accelerate sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitors to Kearney area attractions.

The Chamber also plans to build, market and maintain a visitor’s bureau and center at its current location.