photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World

The Watkins Museum of History is pictured Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022.

Two Douglas County organizations have received a total of $10,000 in grants from the state to support new tourism marketing projects.

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced in a press release Monday that it awarded $100,000 to support 20 organizations’ marketing efforts across the state. Locally, the Save Our Soils Kaw Valley Foundation received a $2,000 grant, and the Douglas County Historical Society received an $8,000 grant.

Another group which includes Lawrence as a part of its marketing efforts, Kansas I-70 Association, received a $8,000 grant as well.

The Department of Commerce’s release didn’t say what the two Douglas County organizations intended to use their funding for. However, the Kansas I-70 Association plans to develop a “digital passport” tourism program tied to both the FIFA World Cup and the “America 250” celebration in 2026.

Lt. Gov. and Commerce Secretary David Toland said in the release that tourism is a “powerful driver” for economic growth. Last year, he said visitors spent $8.2 billion in Kansas.

“We’re committed to supporting our local partners who are working to strengthen communities by expanding Kansas’ visibility,” Toland said.