The City of Crossville is considering applying for a Tourism Development grant offered by the State of Tennessee to bolster its tourism industry, a key economic driver for the state. This grant aims to fund projects that create or expand physical attractions, facilities, or events open to the public, enhancing the appeal and experience for tourists. The City Council will vote on whether to apply for this grant on Tuesday at 6 p.m. during their monthly Council meeting.

Eligible applicants include non-profit entities, such as historic villages, or local/quasi-governmental entities like Crossville, with grants up to $100,000 available based on the grantee’s economic status. Projects must occur on applicant-owned property or leased land from TVA or the US Army Corps of Engineers with a lease term matching the project’s useful life.

Approximately 25-30 grants will be awarded, depending on funding. Applicants with open Tourism Enhancement grants from Rounds 6 or 7 are ineligible, but those with closed grants may apply, and multiple applications per county are allowed. The application timeline begins with applications opening on July 14, 2025, and closing on August 22, 2025, followed by a review period from August 25-27, 2025, and award finalization on August 28, 2025.

Award notifications and contracts will be issued by September 5, 2025, with signed contracts due by October 31, 2025. Reimbursement requests for fiscal year 2026 work are due by June 30, 2026, annual reports by September 30, 2026, and all projects must be completed with final reports and reimbursement requests submitted by May 29, 2027.

The grant review board comprises representatives from the Tennessee Departments of Tourist Development, Economic and Community Development, Agriculture, Environment and Conservation, Transportation, and, where applicable, TVA or the US Army Corps of Engineers. This grant presents an opportunity for Crossville to enhance its tourism offerings, provided it meets eligibility criteria and adheres to the specified timeline.

(The photo above has examples from other areas that used the grant, as well as mockups presented to the council for consideration.)