Senator Charles Schumer made his third trip to Howe Caverns a memorable one Monday afternoon.
In his first trip to the caverns as Senator, he announced a federal bill that he hopes will give a shot in the arm to tourist destinations.
The bill, the Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act, is currently in the commerce committee of the Senate and could be passed out of the Senate this year, Senator Schumer said. The bill has bi-partisan support in the Senate and a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
Under the bill, tourist attractions would partner with private partners like as visitors’ bureau, Chamber of Commerce or a local government to pool their resources. If the project is selected by the commerce department, there would be a matching grant up to $1 million for the project, Senator Schumer said.
Tourism is the second largest industry in the state, producing over $660 billion in economic activity each year, he said.
The caverns attracts about 160,000 people a year and provides 150 jobs, he added.
“It’s been a great tourist season for New York but we have to keep it that way,” said the Senator, who just came back form vacation at three attractions in New York State.
“We have a tourism infrastructure that’s unparalleled but we’re short of money,” he said.
Howe Caverns, the Senator said, is a perfect example of a tourist attraction that would be benefited by the passage of the TRIP Act.
“On a cloudy Monday, that parking lot is full.”
The slow economy has convinced people to take vacations closer to home, Senator Schumer said.
“Now people are saying, ‘Let’s look at the beauties close to home.”
Senator Schumer, who was making his 12th trip to Schoharie County since becoming Senator, said tourism money not only goes to the attraction but to the local economy through shops, gas stations and restaurants.