Rick Boucher Announces Funding for Bristol Cultural Heritage Center
January 15, 2010
$2.5 Million in Federal Funds Advances Birthplace of Country Music Cultural Heritage Center (January 15, 2010)
Announcement of Federal Funding for the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance Cultural Heritage Center
January 15, 2009
It is my pleasure to return to Bristol this morning to announce a major allocation of federal funding which will significantly benefit both the efforts to enhance downtown Bristol and our region’s tourism economy.
At my urging, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Rural Development Agency is today providing a low-interest federal loan of $2.5 million to the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance for the construction of its Cultural Heritage Center in downtown Bristol. This funding will enhance the effort to build a high quality facility showcasing our region’s musical heritage in downtown Bristol.
When constructed, the Cultural Heritage Center has the potential to become a major tourist destination in itself. It is estimated that the Smithsonian quality museum and performing arts venue will bring tens of thousands of visitors to Bristol each year, supporting existing downtown businesses and creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
