Tom Reed announced the National Comedy Center in Jamestown will receive a 1.7 million dollar federal grant to help fund new initiatives at the site. “We care about creating jobs for the hardworking men and women of our region and investing in this site will do just that,” said Reed. “This is a great step in the right direction which will allow the project to continue to move forward. It’s only right that we continue to work with local leaders and continue to advocate for the resources that this site needs to be completed.”
The award will be used to fund new attractions and the related construction during the expansion process at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown under the Public Works Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“We are thrilled that the U.S Department of Commerce has awarded the National Comedy Center a $1.7 million grant through its Economic Development Administration program. Through this award, the Federal government has sent a clear signal that it recognizes and endorses the National Comedy Center as a world class attraction and the massive catalytic economic impact that it will have on Jamestown and the entire region. We want to especially thank Congressman Tom Reed and his entire staff for spearheading the NCC application on our behalf. We also want to express our sincere appreciation to Tom Barnes of Southern Tier West for all of his tireless efforts in helping us along the way,” said Tom Benson, Chairman of the National Comedy Center.
The National Comedy Center is a non-profit entity that plays host to the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, attracting comedic acts nationwide. Jamestown is the birthplace of internationally recognized comedienne Lucille Ball of “I Love Lucy” fame. August 6 marked Ball’s 105th birthday.
“The grant announcement is fitting for the community in the wake of Lucy’s birthday and the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival,” said Reed. “We can continue to commemorate her contributions to our world by helping to redevelop the site and bringing the joy of laughter to everyone.”
