Rochester to receive federal funding supporting travel and tourism – ABC 6 News

(ABC 6 News) – Rochester is set to receive nearly half a million dollars in federal investment.

The announcement made by Minnesota Senators Klobuchar and Smith will support the travel and tourism industry in Rochester.

Specifically, the investment will support the city of Rochester with building renovations and improvements to the Mayo Civic Center and the Historic Chateau Theatre. The project will support around 300 jobs while boosting the tourism industry and advancing economic resilience in the region. The investment is made possible by the American Rescue Plan, which Klobuchar and Smith helped pass earlier this year.

“This funding will create good-paying jobs and make infrastructure improvements to the Mayo Civic Center and Historic Chateau Theater, two venues in the heart of downtown Rochester,” said Sen. Klobuchar.

“As co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to ensure that Rochester’s tourism industry has the resources it needs to thrive.”

“The travel and tourism industry is starting to bounce back after a tough few years, but many small businesses are still hurting from the pandemic,” said Sen. Smith.

“These improvements to the Mayo Civic Center and the Historic Chateau Theatre will help accelerate the recovery of the travel and tourism industry in Rochester and support economic activity and jobs in the area. I’m proud of our work to pass the American Rescue Plan, which made investments like these possible.”

The $468,699 investment is part of the Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program, funded through the American Rescue Plan. The program is designed to help accelerate the recovery of the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation industries and build back the communities that depend on them.

The investment will help the region become more resilient to fluctuations in tourism and assist in the economic recovery. It will also help increase employment opportunities, save jobs, and spur $2 million in private investment.