Skip to main content

Rep. Panetta Secures $4 Million in American Rescue Plan Tourism Recovery Funding for Tannery Arts Center in Santa Cruz

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, March 23 Rep. Jimmy Panetta announced that the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4 million American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program grant to the city of Santa Cruz, California, to develop new arts and entertainment infrastructure within the Tannery Arts Center and increase tourism to the region. This project will support the long-term recovery of the arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors while promoting tourism through the construction of a new, 5,360-square foot performance and dance building within the Tannery Arts Center complex. The new facility will include two performance bays, office space, and changing areas. The arts, performing and visual, have been a growing part of the tourism economy in Santa Cruz as it provides for year-round activities that draw visitors from outside the county. This EDA grant will be matched with $990,000 in local investment and is expected to create 60 jobs, retain 70 jobs, and generate $1.3 million in private investment. “Santa Cruz was hit pretty hard during the pandemic, especially due to the decline of tourists coming to the region,” said Rep. Panetta. “I’m proud that Congress worked hard to pass the American Rescue Plan and provide the funding necessary for us to emerge from the pandemic. Moreover, I appreciate our partnership with the Department of Commerce and Secretary Raimondo to recognize where that federal funding can go to create jobs and best support and stimulate our arts community, tourism industry, and, ultimately, the Santa Cruz economy.” “The Tannery Arts Center is a central component of the City's efforts to nurture and house our arts community, while also providing workforce development opportunities and experiences for visitors to Santa Cruz. This EDA grant for performance space will help contribute to the return of economic vibrancy at a site that is a rich part of the City's history, and we are truly grateful for Congressman Panetta’s support for this effort,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Sonja Brunner. “President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to helping this critical sector not only recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger and more equitably for the future.” “The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The new facility will provide space and resources for the local arts community, supporting a diverse and resilient economy.” “With breathtaking redwood forests, a rugged coastline and majestic mountains, Santa Cruz is home to many of the unique natural wonders that make California the envy of the world when it comes to travel and tourism,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “I thank the Biden Administration for investing in this important sector, as well as arts and entertainment, key economic drivers that are helping local communities roar back from the pandemic.” “I was proud to support the American Rescue Plan to provide much needed relief and help rebuild some of California’s most vital sectors,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “Investing in a new arts and entertainment venue will help boost tourism in Santa Cruz and the Central Coast – creating jobs and stimulating local economic activity in the region.” This is the first project funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Monterey County DA Releases Preliminary Information Concerning an Officer Involved Shooting Incident that Occurred Outside of Soledad on December 16

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni on December 19 released preliminary information concerning the officer involved shooting (OIS) which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. outside the city of Soledad on December 16, 2025. Just before 1:00 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Pina, who has been a peace officer for 10 years all with MCSO, and Deputy Blain Councilman, each in separate patrol cars, were dispatched to 32097 McCoy Road. A resident at the farm labor camp reported a suspicious individual with a handgun whose white Honda 4 door sedan was parked in space 18 at the complex. Before parking there, the suspect drove around and around, stopped in front of the reporting party’s (RP’s) truck, and got out. The RP could hear music. Deputy Pina drove the lead patrol car and arrived just after 1:20 a.m. His dashcam video, which does not record sound but which he installed on his own and at his own expense, depicts the following: He drove down ...
Post a Comment
Read more

King City City Council Announces Selection of José Arreola as New City Manager

  January 7, 2025-Following an extensive recruitment process, José Arreola has been selected by the King City City Council to be its next City Manager. Arreola will replace Steve Adams, who is retiring after serving in the position for the past 10 years. Arreola was selected from 31 applicants and 8 finalists for the position. The King City City Council will formally consider the proposed city manager contract at its meeting on Tuesday night, January 13. Arreola's first day on the job is scheduled to be February 23.    José Arreola has a distinguished career of serving the community with a particular commitment to youth. He has worked for the City of Salinas for 12 years as their Community Safety Program Manager, Community Safety Administrator and Assistant to the City Manager. Among other responsibilities, Arreola has led several programs to eliminate gang violence which aligns well with the City of King’s efforts and priorities. Prior to that, Arreola worked as an Educa...
Post a Comment
Read more

King City CHP is searching for person of interest who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Greenfield

On Monday, September 16 at approximately 3:50 pm, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Metz Road south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield.  The driver who caused the collision fled on foot and is currently outstanding.  The California Highway Patrol King City Area is currently seeking the whereabouts of 31-year-old Agustin Santana-Moncada of King City who has been identified as a person of interest in the case.  The King City Area is requesting assistance from the public in locating Santana-Moncada.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the King City Area office at (831) 385-3216.
1 comment
Read more