(Heart of Illinois ABC) - Events in Morton and Washington are getting a slice of $26 million in first-round funding for supporting recovery efforts in the tourism industry.

The Morton Chamber of Commerce is getting $94,150.32 to go towards the Morton Pumpkin Festival.

Nate Heinold LLC of Washington is getting $40,000 to go towards two disc golf tournaments - the Ledgestone Insurance Open in Greater Peoria and the 2022 Combined Professional Disc Golf Association World Championship.

According to a release, awards ranged from $11,500 to $562,500, averaging $243,902.

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity announced another $15 million round in funding to support the tourism sector.

$5 million will be reserved for festivals and $10 million will support other tourism-related projects.

This round of funding prioritizes downstate communities, communities that have experienced declines in hotel tax revenues and provides $5 million specifically for festivals. Additionally, in order to maximize funding, applicants are required to submit matching funds with the goal of attracting additional visitors to localities and events, thereby supporting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

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