Colorado Springs to seek $82 million in state rebates for projects to attract tourists
“Colorado Springs is going after $82 million in state sales tax dollars to build the four projects that city leaders believe would transform the city and have a profound effect on development, Mayor Steve Bach said.
The plan is dubbed the “City of Champions” and is based on the idea that Colorado Springs has a history as a health destination, including being a training ground for military personnel and athletes.
“I don’t think it is an overstatement to say this is a watershed moment in the history of our region,” Bach said. “We could have an indelible impact maybe for 100 years or more.”
The city is applying to the state’s Regional Tourism Act program, which was created as a way for local governments to get sales tax rebates on projects that bring in tourists. The projects must be “unique and extraordinary” and attract out-of-state visitors, said Kathy Green, director of communication and marketing for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, which oversees the program.
Colorado Springs officials believe its projects would bring in 400,000 out-of-state visitors a year who would spend $6.7 million in the local economy, with the other 600,000 coming from Colorado.”
Mendoza, Monica. The Gazette 29 June 2013.