Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Renovations at America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton, Missouri

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, to boost tourism in the region by renovating the America’s National Churchill Museum. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will create better accessibility, allowing the museum to accommodate more visitors, and ensure preservation of the historic building. The EDA investment will be matched with $2.1 million in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as it works to recover and rebuild following the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will support the local tourism industry and attract new visitors to the America’s National Churchill Museum on the campus of Westminster College.” “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. “This project will increase the capacity of the museum to attract visitors, providing a direct benefit to local businesses in the area.”

“This grant award is great news for Westminster College and the greater Central Missouri region,” said Governor Mike Parson. “America’s National Churchill Museum in Fulton is a prized tourist destination in the heart of Missouri, and this grant will help ensure it remains. We appreciate this investment and look forward to the economic benefit it will bring to the region.”

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. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission (Mid-MO RPC). EDA funds Mid-MO RPC 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.

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.