Tourism funding is reduced

Grand Coulee has revised downward the amount of hotel/motel tax funds it is going to give out in 2016, after last summer’s smoky tourist season.

The city had received requests from four organizations totaling $34,325, but is only going to fund $22,870.

The decision was made Dec. 22 as the city council approved its $3,041,419.22 budget for 2016.

Grand Coulee had given out $34,000 in 2015.

The Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce had requested $13,325, but will receive $8,900. The Ridge Riders had requested $12,500, but will receive $8,300. The Coulee Area Parks and Recreation District had asked for $7,500 and will receive $5,000. And the Coulee Corridor asked for $1,000 and will get $670 from the city.

The city anticipates the possibility that lodging revenues could be the victim of fires and heat that the area experienced during August 2015, when motels and campgrounds reported a number of cancellations because of major fires in the area and smoke from the fires.

The organizations use the taxes collected on lodging at motels and campgrounds to advertise the area and promote their various functions.