JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota Department of Commerce announced several recipients of the 2020 Tourism Mainstreet Expansion Grants this week.

Main Street Expansion Grants support new or expanding businesses and activities that provide an improved visitor experience, with an emphasis on attracting new visitors to North Dakota communities.

“These grants will help communities develop or enhance vibrant downtowns and draw visitors to enjoy unique architecture, local culture and diverse activities,” North Dakota Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman said.

The grants are intended to fund new projects that attract visitors from outside of North Dakota for at least one overnight stay with the goal of giving communities and the state another experience to entertain visitors and potential new residents.

Some of the grant projects include a bike sharing system in Cavalier, multipurpose venue for 50,000 pencil collection in Wahpeton, and upgrade to the Ellendale Opera House.

Fort Seward also received some grant funding for their “Glamping Experience” through Discover Jamestown Tourism. The project will reconstruct the authentic frontier Army site on the Fort Seward Grounds to create a camping experience.