Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program
Funding provided to assist projects that will provide recreational, cultural, entertainment and educational attractions. Projects must be available to the general public for public use and be primarily vertical infrastructure. “Vertical infrastructure” means land acquisition and construction, major renovation and major repair of buildings, all appurtenant structures, utilities, site development, and recreational trails.
Eligible Project Criteria
Community attraction projects may include, but are not limited to:
Museums
Theme parks
Cultural and recreational centers
Recreational trails
Heritage attractions
Sports arenas
Acquisition of lands to be used for recreational boating/canoeing access
Additional Requirements and Information
A tourism facility is defined as a location that draws people into the community from at least 50 miles (one way) from home.
Typical CAT awards are no more than 10%-20% of the total project costs.
A 65% match commitment is required upon application. Up to 25% of the match may include non-financial resources, such as in-kind services.
Following notification of award, a contract specifying further terms and conditions will be executed.
No more than 50% of project costs may come from state sources, including CAT funds.
Source
Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)
Eligible Applicants
Cities
Counties
Nonprofit organizations
School districts in cooperation with a city or county
– School districts can only apply as co-applicants with a city or county
Application Deadline
January 15, 2023
Award Announcement
Applicants will be made aware of funding decisions after a full application review is completed.
Contact Person
Alaina Santizo
Iowa Economic Development Authority
1963 Bell Ave. Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: (515) 348-6162
Maicie Pohlman
Iowa Economic Development Authority
1963 Bell Ave. Suite 200
Des Moines, IA 50315
Phone: (515) 348-6161