Tompkins County Legislature awards grant to study Tourism Improvement District issue

The district would be a potential way to fund the cost of a future conference center

ITHACA — The Tompkins County Legislature on Aug. 20 voted to approve nearly $34,000 in funding to the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The 2019 strategic tourism implementation grant (funded through county room occupancy tax funds) pays for professional services to examine possibly forming a Tompkins County “Tourism Improvement District” as a potential way to fund the cost of a future conference center. 

The funding is part of the county’s 2019 tourism program budget. The money was approved by a vote of 13-1.