Island County WA issued the following announcement.
The application packet is available for the 2021 Island County 2% Hotel-Motel Tax Tourism Promotions. Funding is generated from overnight lodging in the unincorporated areas of Island County. The purpose of this program is to support and promote the tourism economy of Island County.
Island County estimates $222,041 in lodging tax revenue will be available for allocation for grants to support tourism in 2021. Historically, the program has funded approximately 20-25 proposals for Whidbey and Camano Island events, visitor centers and tourism activities.
Lodging tax revenues may only be used as provided in RCW 67.28.1816(1). This section provides that lodging tax revenues "may be used, directly by any municipality or indirectly through a convention and visitors bureau or destination marketing organization" for:
- Tourism marketing;
- The marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists;
- Supporting the operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by a municipality or a public facilities district created under Chapters 35.57 and 36.100 RCW; or
- Supporting the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations described under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3) and 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
The Island County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will review all timely and complete applications received by September 7th , and then make their recommendations for funding to the Board of Island County Commissioners.
The review committee membership, as established by state law, is comprised of representatives from entities who collect the lodging tax, and organizations who are eligible to apply for the grant funds. For this reason, a conflict of interest policy has been added to ensure public confidence in the ethical allocation of these tax dollars.
Please click on the preferred format to access the 2021 application. Please ensure you submit a complete application packet.
Forms may also be requested by contacting Jennifer Roll at j.roll@islandcountywa.gov or 360-679-7353
Original source can be found here.
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