Tourism funds available

The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau is accepting tourism enhancement grant applications for 2010.

The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau is accepting tourism enhancement grant applications for 2010. A total of $30,000 is available to organizations in the local area, specifically to encourage overnight visitation.

Tourism accounts for 3,150 jobs in Clallam County and $172.8 million in travel spending, according to a state of Washington study done in 2006.

Recipients in 2009 included the Dungeness Crab Festival, Piecemakers Quilt Show, Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts, Neah Bay Chamber of Commerce, Olympic Peninsula Bed and Breakfast Association, North Olympic Discovery Marathon, Olympic Culinary Loop and the Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway Association.

Grant applications are reviewed at the January, March, May, September and November OPVB board of directors meetings as long as funds are available. Grant applications must be received by the first business day of the reviewing month. More information and application forms can be found at www.visitolympicpeninsula.org.