Eighty-nine projects across Illinois are receiving $22.5 million thanks to tourism grants from the Pritzker administration.

The second round of Tourism Attractions and Festival Grants will provide funding to local governments, organizations, and businesses to improve property, events, and activities.

Springfield was awarded nearly $500,000 to improve the Y block plaza near the Governor’s Mansion after years of inaction following multiple discussions about the future of the empty lot.

You can also expect to see a new marquee with electronic message boards at the Hoogland Center for the Arts thanks to a $65,000 grant.

According to our news partners at WAND TV, Springfield also received $500,000 to build the Imagine Route 66 History building and Washington Park is receiving $370,000 to replace the conservatory dome for the botanical garden.

Pritzker and state lawmakers are proud to see resurgence in tourism following the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many credit the $30 million “Middle of Everything” ad campaign starring Illinois native and Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actress Jane Lynch.