Sec. 2. Grants for promoting tourism and healthy travel
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Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 is amended by adding at the end the following: The Secretary shall provide grants to eligible entities to assist with economic recovery in communities affected by declines in travel and tourism as a result of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19). An entity eligible to receive grants under this section shall be an entity that is responsible for marketing, selling, or promoting visitation to a community, region, or State, including— a State tourism office; a political subdivision or instrumentality of a State or local government; a Tribal government; and a nonprofit organization.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall establish a process under which the Secretary may receive applications and make grants to eligible entities in accordance with this section. To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. The Secretary shall select eligible entities to receive grants under this section based on factors to be determined by the Secretary, using the best available data, including the decline in visitation and associated economic losses in a region as a result of COVID–19, and the amount of real or forecast revenue lost by an eligible entity as a result of COVID–19.
An eligible entity shall use grant funds provided under this section to— pay costs associated with tourism marketing and promotion activities necessary to assist with declines in visitation as a result of COVID–19; pay costs associated with providing information to visitors about the health and safety protections, guidance or requirements of Federal, State or local governments and businesses to reduce the spread of COVID–19; pay the increased costs of sanitation or cleaning to provide for a safer environment at a convention center, large event space, or community attraction; or pay the costs of salaries and expenses associated with the operations of the eligible entity with respect to activities described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C).
Sections 209(b)(2) and 204 shall not apply for purposes of providing grants under this section. The Secretary may waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with a grant under this section if the Secretary determines that any such waivers or alternative requirements are necessary to expedite or facilitate the use of the amounts made available under this section. Notwithstanding section 204, the Federal share of the cost of an activity carried out with a grant under this section shall be 100 percent.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal year 2021 to carry out this section $5,000,000,000, to remain available until expended. .