Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.6 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Travel and Tourism-Related Workforce Development at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6 million grant to the Board of Regents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, to create new academic space needed to support their hospitality, restaurant and tourism management programs. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will provide space for the hands-on learning and training of students in the hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors, creating a pipeline of workers in the industry and supporting workers with the skills they need to secure quality jobs in this important sector. This EDA grant will be matched by $400,000 in local funds and is expected to create 200 jobs, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden recognizes the key importance of the travel and tourism industries to help build a better America,” 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 is committed to supporting community-led economic development strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The new facility will provide classrooms, office, and learning spaces to train professionals in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries, leading to good-paying jobs in the regional economy.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD). EDA funds SENDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.