MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – More than $14 million in grants were awarded to Wisconsin industries hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Tony Evers awarded movie theaters, summer camps, and minor league sports teams throughout the state to support their recovery from the pandemic.
“From Wautoma to Spooner, summer camps, movie theaters, and minor league sports teams are important parts of our communities and our state’s economy,” said Gov. Evers. “Unfortunately, like many businesses in our tourism industry, these folks have been hit particularly hard by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This investment will continue to help fuel our state’s recovery and ensure a strong rebound for our local communities.”
The Movie Theater Assistance Grant Program is a more than $10 million program that provides approximately $15,000 per screen to 49 theater companies. This is the second pandemic relief program to assist the movie theater industry in Wisconsin, bringing the total investment in Wisconsin’s movie theaters to $20 million.
“After suffering nearly six months of complete closure in 2020 with almost zero revenue, followed by a very tumultuous 2021, this lifeline will help movie theaters survive in Wisconsin. Due to our unique business model and the ongoing challenge that we’ve faced in getting new movie content consistently as a result of COVID-19, our industry’s recovery is taking much longer than many other sectors of the economy.,” wrote George Rouman, President of NATO-WI & UP and owner of Rouman Cinema in Rhinelander.
The Minor League Sports Teams Grant Program provides $2.8 million to 17 minor league teams across the state, utilizing federal pandemic-relief funding to help teams recoup lost revenue during 2020.
The Summer Camp Assistance Grant Program will provide a total of $1.8 million to 37 eligible summer camps operating in Wisconsin to offset pandemic-related losses. Each camp recipient will receive $50,000. This is also the first pandemic relief program targeting summer camps in Wisconsin.
All three programs are funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA).
