SPRINGFIELD – Two organizations involved in the region’s tourist industry were recipients of grants from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism’s (MOTT) latest rounds of grants.

The state announced 34 organizations received funding through a fund of $2 million as part of the Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame received $127,200 and the Spirit of Springfield received $28,000.

According to the press statement from the governor’s office, “The DDC grants provide funding for projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions, and aid in destination recovery and resiliency.  Their aim is to strengthen the Massachusetts economy through destination development projects that enhance tourism resources and infrastructure, especially physical or structural upgrades that have a lifespan of greater than five years.”

Judy Matt, the president of the Spirit of Springfield told Reminder Publishing “the award of $28,000 from the state for a new display at Bright Nights, which we will use to create increased awareness for our gift shop [and] concession area. It is significant that the state recognizes the value of Bright Nights and the economic impact it has on the Springfield area.” Matt noted the grant covers 50 percent cost of the upgrade.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will use it award of $127,200 to upgrade its roadside digital messaging system.

John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame, explained, “This grant is part of the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism $2 million pool to help fund infrastructure projects that rebuild and support tourism in the longer run. The Hall of Fame will be replacing its outdoor digital sign, now 15 years old, with a larger more modern high-def digital sign and we have proposed that with the funding provided by MOTT that we utilize the sign to not only promote happenings at the Hall of Fame but with other non-profit tourism entities in the valley, so it is a collaborative effort with the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau who will assist us in messaging from Western Mass. tourism partners. This grant will cover between 33 percent and 50 percent of the digital signs cost and the Hall of Fame will cover the remainder. With expanded lead times for such equipment at present, we expect the sign to be in place by the end of the year.”

In announcing the grants, Gov. Charlie Baker said, “Massachusetts’ tourism and cultural sectors are vital to the fabric of the commonwealth, and will continue to be an important part of our economic recovery in the coming months. We are proud to support these facilities, which are also great examples of the types of unique places that would benefit from our spending plan to put $100 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act toward cultural facilities and tourism assets across the state.”