The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) announced a new round of tourism grant investments that further reinforce the county’s position as a premier regional destination for outdoor recreation, community events, and family-friendly experiences. Washington County continues to be a leader in regional economic and tourism growth.
Building on the momentum from last year, this latest round of funding prioritizes projects that enhance access to natural assets, expand trail connectivity, and support signature events that draw visitors from across the region, and in some cases, across the globe. These strategic investments reflect a growing demand for outdoor experiences and position the county to capitalize on evolving tourism trends.
“Outdoor recreation and authentic tourism experiences continue to drive visitation and economic impact throughout Washington County,” said Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. “From our trail systems and waterways to our community festivals and sporting attractions, these assets are critical to both our quality of life and our ability to attract visitors. Targeted investments like these will assist our partners in strengthening their offerings, expanding accessibility, and ensuring that Washington County remains competitive in today’s tourism economy.”
Several projects in this grant cycle highlight the WCTPA’s goal of enhancing the county’s outdoor recreation infrastructure and visitor experience. Improving awareness of the Panhandle Trail in Burgettstown Borough and trailhead accessibility upgrades along the Montour Trail will expand connectivity for residents and visitors alike, further integrating Washington County into the region’s broader trail network.
At Cross Creek Lake, grant funding will support enhancements that elevate one of the county’s most popular outdoor destinations, building on its reputation as a hub for fishing, boating, and seasonal recreation. Similarly, the development of a new kayak launch at Peters Lake Park in Peters Township will increase access to water-based recreation, helping to meet growing demand for paddling and outdoor recreational activities.
In addition to the focused investment in outdoor recreation assets, WCTPA continues to support the events and attractions that define Washington County’s summer season. The Washington County Agricultural Fair, a longstanding regional draw, will benefit from continued promotional support to attract visitors and families from across the tri-state area. Likewise, PONY Baseball, which brings a national and international audience every summer, remains a cornerstone of the local sports tourism market and a significant contributor to local economic activity.
“These investments represent a balanced approach to tourism development—supporting both the physical assets that attract visitors and promoting events that create memorable experiences,” Kotula added. “Whether it is a family outing to the county fair, a cyclist exploring the trails, or an international team traveling to the PONY League World Series, these investments are aimed at ensuring that Washington County and our partners deliver a high-quality, accessible, and engaging destination.”
This latest round of funding underscores the Tourism Agency’s ongoing commitment to leveraging tourism as a driver of economic development, community vitality, and regional competitiveness.
The list below includes all projects approved by the WCTPA Board of Directors:
Marketing Projects:
• Aquatorium Innovations $3,750
• Bradford House Historical Association $5,500
• Burgettstown Borough $8,000
• Canonsburg Educational & Cultural Institute $15,000
• Groupe SEB/All-Clad Factory Sale $10,500
• Kleine Klasse Schule Inc/Gretna Green Festival $500
• McDonald VFD/McSummerfest $2,500
• Men of Honor Ministries $2,500
• Washington County Agricultural Fair $15,000
• Washington Festival Chorale $4,000
• Washington Frontier League Baseball $15,000
• Washington Trotting Association $15,000
• World Series Tournaments, Inc. $15,000
Capital Projects:
• Bradford House Historical Association $20,000
• Canonsburg Educational & Cultural Institute $10,000
• County of Washington/Cross Creek Lake $14,000
• Little Lake Theatre Company $10,000
• Montour Trail Council $18,000
• Peters Township/Peters Lake $20,000
• Washington County Agricultural Fair $5,000
• World Series Tournaments, Inc./PONY World Series $30,000
Announcing the newest American Spirit Grant Program Awards
In addition to the annual tourism grant program awards, the WCTPA also announced additional American Spirit Grant program awards through the rolling application and award process.
In the latest awards, the following projects were approved:
Allenport Borough $1,420.77
Beallsville Borough $6,023.94
Burgettstown Borough $25,000.00
Claysville Borough $24,500.00
Donegal Township $25,000.00
East Washington Borough $25,000.00
Houston Borough $18,110.00
North Strabane Township $25,000.00
Smith Township $21,101.00
West Brownsville Borough $20,041.50
These projects will support upgraded and new veterans memorials, park developments, signage and wayfinding enhancements, and other improvements to public spaces. In each case, these grants support community driven projects to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation with the intent of delivering lasting recreational and cultural benefits and improving visitor experience in each of the county’s local municipalities.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funded projects must be completed by July 4, 2026 to be eligible for reimbursement. To date, 25 projects have been approved by WCTPA totaling $526,695 across 2025 and 2026.
About the Washington County Chamber Of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber of commerce in the Greater Pittsburgh region. With 1,200 members, the Chamber focuses on networking events, economic development initiatives, and business advocacy. The Tourism Promotion Agency leads the planning and promotion of programs designed to stimulate and increase leisure and business travel to Washington County and supports the promotional efforts of local organizations attracting visitors to the region.
Learn more at WashCoChamber.com & VisitWashingtonCountyPA.com.