State’s tourism funding slashed; regional fees increased

NORWICH – One arm that promotes tourism in New York has considerably less money to grant Chenango County this year while another arm has asked for more.

The amount of ‘I Love New York’ funds, granted annually for Chenango County’s festivals, events and other tourism-related activities, has been chopped by more than half. Tourism Director Audrey Robinson told members of the Chenango County Planning & Economic Development Committee last week that the amount, just $27,300, must be shared among approximately 20 entities.

What’s more, a portion of ‘I Love New York’ funds must also be applied to afford the county’s membership in the Central Leatherstocking Region, an amount that has increased by 6 percent this year. The organization produces region-specific marketing campaigns for Chenango and seven surrounding counties.

“That leaves me with less than $20,000 for the county,” Robinson said.

State funds decreased this year because the program’s qualifications have become more stringent and because fewer local tourism groups have been able to afford the 100 percent match that is required in order to receive them.

About $15,000 remains to be matched from last season’s allotment of $65,000.

Robinson said she applied for only $45,000 this year because fewer groups made the 100 percent match. “We’ve struggled to spend the entire amount. Instead of asking for extensions on spending the money, we asked for less,” she said.

Her request was cut back even further, however, because it was unexpectedly pro-rated according to all of New York state, she said.

The Northeast Classic Car Museum, Chenango County’s most successful tourism draw, has used the matching funds program in the past to afford printing and distribution of promotional materials. Director Kay Zaia said the museum was awarded $6,000 on average per year since 2004, but wouldn’t be applying for any this year.