LTAC grant applications due on March 15

information released

On Feb. 1, the Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, or LTAC, opens the grant application process for groups and municipalities seeking lodging tax dollars for capital projects, or capital improvement projects, that will help attract overnight visitors to the county.

County lodging tax revenues must be used for tourism promotion, acquisition of tourism-related facilities, or the operation of tourism-related facilities per RCW 67.28.1815.-1816. This application period is specifically for capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities.

Projects will be considered capital if the funds are used for land and improvements to land, buildings and building improvements, parking lots, vehicles, machinery and equipment, works of art or historical treasures, infrastructure assets, such as roads, bridges, sidewalks, water lines, sewers, drainage systems and intangible assets, such as easements, water rights, timber rights and computer software.

The application period is open through 5 p.m. on March 15. LTAC will review the applications at its March meeting. Successful grants will be considered utilizing the following criteria:

  • Increases tourism and convention activity in Chelan County
  • Boosts overnight stays and/or increases retail sales primarily in unincorporated Chelan County
  • The availability of funds. The current funding available for capital projects is $420,000
  • Meets reporting requirements of the State law
  • Overall economic impact to Chelan County

How to Apply

The application is a fillable PDF form that can be downloaded on the county’s website (www.co.chelan.wa.us/board-of-commissioners/pages/lodging-tax-advisory-committee). When you complete your application, it and any attachments can be emailed to CM.LTAC@co.chelan.wa.us.

Requirements

Turn in a complete, signed and timely application. The March 15 deadline is final; no applications for 2024 funding will be taken after 5 p.m. on that date.

Your budget must accompany your application, showing the use of your organizations’ and the county’s matching funds. Funds may not be used for administrative costs.

A follow-up report must be given within 90 days of the conclusion of the project to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee showing the impact of the funding on the community, ie: attendance, impact on the occupancy/retail sales, publicity, etc. The report is to include receipts showing how the organization’s and Chelan County’s lodging tax dollars were used.

Lodging tax dollars are generated by local lodging establishments. In Chelan County, about half the money generated in a year is allocated to six local chambers as well as the Cascade Loop, Ohme Gardens and TREAD. Another portion is used to operate the county’s Visit Chelan County campaign. The remaining money is offered annually in the form of grants to tourist-related organizations. The Events and Marketing grants annual application period is Sept. 1 to Oct. 15, and the Capital grants annual application period is Feb. 1 to March 15. Applications are posted when the grant cycles open.

Additional info: The list of successful 2023 capital grants is on our website at www.co.chelan.wa.us/news/article/11-agencies-awarded-lodging-tax-grants-for-capital-projects