U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.1 Million in Santa Claus, Indiana

Washington – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.1 million grant to the town of Santa Claus, Indiana, for water infrastructure upgrades in support of the tourism industry. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will create improved water service and expanded capacity to support tourism and job creation in Spencer County. The EDA investment will be matched with $283,012 in local funds and is expected to create 50 jobs, retain 202 jobs and generate $45.1 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina 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 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 in Santa Claus, Indiana, will ensure that tourism remains a strong economic driver in Spencer County and leverages many assets to build resiliency to future economic disruptions.”

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.