SCS SB 954 -- CULTURAL TOURISM

CO-SPONSORS: Bentley, Johnson (Overschmidt)

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Tourism, Recreation and Cultural Affairs by a vote of 15 to 0.

This substitute creates the Cultural Tourism Development Program administered by the Department of Economic Development. The goal of this program is to increase tourism revenues and enhance appreciation of the variety of cultural experiences available in Missouri.

The Division of Tourism, Missouri Humanities Council, Missouri Arts Council, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Office of the Secretary of State, and other interested entities will work with the Department of Economic Development to administer a grant and loan program designed to assist interested groups and communities in the development of cultural tourism.

The substitute also creates a Tourism Development Fund within the state treasury, administered by the Department of Economic Development, which will consist of revenues appropriated by the General Assembly and also any gifts, grants, bequests, or contributions from any entities for this program.

FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of $0 to Unknown in FY 2001, FY 2002, and FY 2003, subject to appropriation.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this legislation will help promote cultural tourism.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Bentley; and Missouri Citizens for the Arts.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst