Agenda Item Name:
Title
Request to Approve Recommended FY23 Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant Program Funding Awards
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Presenter:
Jessica Hurov
Description:
Request to Approve the FY23 Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant Funding Recommendations
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the twenty-five Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement Grant funding awards as recommended by the grant evaluation team. Approve the contract template, authorize staff to issue each grantee a grant contract and corresponding purchase order, authorize the County Manager to execute contracts, including for the applicants with funding award recommendations in excess of $50,000; with all grant awards to be payable on a reimbursement basis only.
Make the legislative factual determination that the events, venues and activities recommended for funding have as one of their main purposes, the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the promotion of the event to tourists as set forth in their respective applications, and that each grant award is primarily related to the advancement and promotion of tourism.
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Prior Board Motions:
On June 26, 2022 the Board approved the FY23 application.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Nature and Culture Destination Enhancement grants are funded by 85% of the third penny of Tourist Development Tax collections. The total award amount for the FY23 Grant is $1,258,000.
There is sufficient funding available for these awards; the small amount that is needed from tourism reserves will be moved to the correct account as part of carry forward. Fund # 006.45.4540.552.82.61
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Background:
On October 6, 2022 the grant evaluation team met in a public meeting to discuss their independent scoring, resulting in the attached recommended funding levels.
In accordance with §125.0104, Florida Statutes, and in order to support and enhance Alachua County as a culturally interesting and vibrant destination, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners has allocated a portion of Tourist Development Tax revenue to aid in the operations and promotions of nature, arts and cultural activities, services, venues, and events that have as one of their main purposes the attraction of tourists as evidenced by the advertising and marketing of the activity, service, venue or event to tourists.
The applications are available in Commission Services for viewing upon request.