Boosting Tourism in Nebraska: Grants Support FIVB Event Branding and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
The Nebraska Tourism Commission has awarded two grants totaling $325,000 to support various tourism initiatives in the state. The grants were included in the state budget bill approved by the Nebraska Legislature and will be administered through the Visit Nebraska cash fund budget. One grant of $175,000 will support branding efforts for a potential FIVB event in 2027 in Omaha. The event, the Women’s Volleyball World Championship, is looking for additional host cities in the U.S. and Canada, with Omaha being a potential candidate. The second grant of $150,000 will go to the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Visitor Center in Nebraska City to assist with operational needs following the loss of federal funding. The center features replicas of the expedition’s keelboat and a Plains Indian earth lodge, along with interactive exhibits and nature trails. Visit Nebraska aims to boost tourism revenue and economic growth in the state.
The grant awarded by the Nebraska Tourism Commission will support branding efforts for a potential FIVB event in 2027 in Omaha. The event, the Women’s Volleyball World Championship, is seeking additional host cities in the U.S. and Canada, with Omaha being a contender. The grant will provide financial support for branding efforts related to the event, which is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the host cities. If Omaha is not selected as a host city, the funds will not be allocated, ensuring that the grant is tied to the success of the event.
The Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Visitor Center in Nebraska City will receive a grant of $150,000 to assist with operational needs following the loss of federal funding. The center, located on nearly 80 acres overlooking the Missouri River, features full-sized replicas of the expedition’s keelboat and a Plains Indian earth lodge, as well as interactive exhibits and nature trails. The grant will provide crucial support to the center as it works on long-term solutions to fill the gap created by the loss of federal funding. The grant serves as a "bridge" funding to help the center continue its operations and serve visitors.
Visit Nebraska, the state's tourism commission, aims to expand the travel industry and increase visitors to generate tourism revenue and economic growth throughout Nebraska. The grants awarded to the Omaha Sports Commission and the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Visitor Center are part of the commission's efforts to support tourism initiatives in the state. By investing in events like the FIVB volleyball championship and attractions like the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Visitor Center, Visit Nebraska is working to boost tourism and showcase the diverse offerings of the Cornhusker State.