Two area attractions are among the recipients of a portion of $600,000 in state tourism dollars.

Still Waters Edge Retreat in Yates Center was awarded $40,000 while The Pumpkin Pants Ranch in Ark City received nearly $10,000 from the Tourism Attraction Development Grant from Kansas Tourism. The grants are designed to be awarded to non-profit groups, government agencies, and for-profit businesses with the goal of helping those entities spur economic growth and increase tourism in the State of Kansas.

Thirty other communities across the state have also received funding as a part of this grant program. Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland called tourism a powerful driver of economic growth for Kansas communities of all sizes and that it helps create jobs while supporting small businesses and creating community pride.