We accept that the economy is such that most of us do not enjoy the luxury of taking vacations except for family emergencies anymore. However, if you are rich and looking for a tourist tax on which to blow your hard-earned money, you may reconsider sightseeing in the Third Beerest City.
The “community” projects selected to receive a total of $4,825,000 in grants from the room tax are:
- The Enka Ballfields project. You may recall, the commissioners recently promised another lump of your contributions to the newly-forming nonprofit in a deal that involved the flipping of county real estate.
- Highlands Brewing. This community organizer, which also happens to sell beer, will receive $850,000 for “expansion and improvments that will enhance the guest experience, including rooftop access, event space, and upgraded tour amenities.”
- Riverfront Destination Development. Among other green obesity-fighters is a train-viewing platform.
- Riverlink. A commercial-grade access will facilitate “river experiences and activities.”
- The Collider. This will be a state-of-the-art conference center designed to help “leverage growing demand for expertise from the nearby National Climatic Data Center.”
