Riverfront Revival: North Augusta Lands USD285,000 Tourism Grant

Published on December 3, 2025

In an exciting development for North Augusta’s tourism sector, the city has received nearly $285,000 in funding through the South Carolina Statewide Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) program. This represents a significant 46% increase from last year’s allocation, marking a notable milestone for the city’s efforts to promote tourism and economic growth. The funding, totaling $284,811, is set to boost tourism initiatives in North Augusta, contributing to projects that span a wide range of activities, from cultural festivals to infrastructure improvements.

The A-Tax program allocates funds collected from hotel and lodging taxes to local governments for tourism-related activities. North Augusta’s grant for fiscal year 2024 is a testament to the city’s ongoing commitment to expanding its tourism industry. Since its inception in 2019, the program has seen substantial growth. In fact, this year’s grant marks a 1,200% increase in A-Tax reinvestment in North Augusta’s tourism sector compared to the program’s first year, when it received just under $23,500. The dramatic rise in funding highlights the city’s increased appeal to tourists, supported by robust local infrastructure and growing hotel contributions.

Growing Participation and More Projects Funded

This year’s A-Tax grants will be distributed to 11 different organizations in the city, funding 15 diverse initiatives aimed at enhancing North Augusta’s tourism offerings. These initiatives range from cultural events to infrastructure projects designed to attract more visitors and improve the overall visitor experience.

One of the notable allocations includes an almost $31,000 grant for the city’s highly anticipated riverfront festival in 2026. This event is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area, drawing attention to North Augusta’s scenic riverfront and its potential as a tourism hub in the region.

This year marks the first time that Tru Hotel’s contributions have been included in the A-Tax program, further enhancing the city’s local accommodations tax collections. This addition has had a significant impact on the funding available for tourism initiatives, with the funds being reinvested in key areas such as the riverfront corridor, helping to enhance the city’s appeal to both local and out-of-town visitors.

A Bright Future for North Augusta’s Tourism

The increase in A-Tax funding is not only a win for North Augusta’s tourism sector but also a reflection of the growing popularity of the city as a tourist destination. Local tourism leaders have expressed optimism about the future of the sector, noting that the increase in funding will allow for expanded initiatives and a more vibrant tourism infrastructure. City Councilman John Felak, who has been actively involved in the A-Tax allocation process, highlighted the encouraging growth in both the number of projects funded and the scale of the grants awarded. Felak emphasized that these funds will help bring more events, attractions, and tourism-friendly infrastructure to the city, further boosting its economy and expanding its visibility as a destination for travelers.

As with all A-Tax grants, the funds are structured as 50-50 matching grants, meaning that the organizations receiving the grants must contribute an equal share of funding for their projects. Additionally, the grants are reimbursable, meaning that funds are only released once the initiatives are completed as originally proposed. This ensures that the allocated money is used effectively and that projects meet the high standards expected by both the city and its visitors.

The Growing Impact of North Augusta’s Tourism

Since the establishment of the A-Tax grant program in 2019, North Augusta has seen steady growth in both the number of tourism-related projects funded and the amount of money reinvested into the city’s tourism sector. As a result, North Augusta has become an increasingly attractive destination for tourists, both from within South Carolina and from across the nation.

The influx of A-Tax funding has allowed North Augusta to enhance its riverfront area, improve local parks and recreational spaces, and fund a variety of events that draw visitors to the city. One of the biggest benefits of these investments is the long-term economic impact they have on the community. According to recent reports, for every dollar invested in tourism-related projects, the city sees a significant return in revenue generated by tourists spending money on accommodations, dining, shopping, and other local businesses.

With the increased funding, North Augusta has the opportunity to continue building on its tourism successes, hosting a growing number of festivals, cultural events, and outdoor activities. These efforts not only attract visitors but also create a more vibrant and dynamic community for residents to enjoy.

Looking Ahead: Future Tourism Projects

As North Augusta’s tourism industry continues to expand, local leaders are already planning for future initiatives that will further boost the city’s appeal. The grants for 2024 are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for the city. With major events such as the riverfront festival in the works for 2026 and a growing number of tourism-focused projects on the horizon, North Augusta is poised to continue its rise as a popular travel destination in the southeastern United States.

The city’s commitment to reinvesting in tourism-related infrastructure and events will play a key role in sustaining this growth. By continuing to partner with local organizations and leveraging funding opportunities like the A-Tax program, North Augusta will be able to build a strong foundation for future success, ensuring that it remains a top destination for travelers in the years to come.

2024 A-Tax Grant Allocations for North Augusta Tourism