Portion of CARES Act Grant coming to the Nebraska Panhandle

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (KNEP) - Tourism took a blow financially due to COVID and recently Nebraska received $1.8 million in CARES Act money to support tourism while some of it will trickle into the Panhandle.

Gering Visitors Bureau said the money will go toward tourism marketing and marketing for the state as a whole. The dollars will benefit the Gering Scottsbluff area with increased marketing reminding visitors in the Panhandle is the place to visit. Part of the money will be used to recoup lodging tax collections lost last year. The community plays a major role in getting these funds.

“We’re fortunate in Western Nebraska that our elected officials and those decision makers and our residents know how important travel and tourism is,” said Karla Niedan-Streeks Director of Tourism Gering Vistors Bureau. “It’s great news for all of us statewide.”