Yesterday in a move that surprised many, the Blair County Commissioners voted to approve the decertification of Explore Altoona. Casting the votes were Commissioners Amy Webster and Dave Kessling, with Commissioner Laura Burke abstaining. The commissioners reportedly made the decision, noting that critics think the $1 million bed tax fund has not been spent fairly to benefit all 29 municipalities within the county. Many local and business leaders were caught off guard by the yesterday’s vote. The commissioners want to now create their own tourism program through the county’s trails and recreation board. They reportedly believe going that route will focus less on marketing existing businesses and instead promote all of Blair County as a tourist destination. Explore Altoona says the decision to decertify the group may have violated 2016 Act 18 of the state’s county code, which states a public hearing should have taken place before such a vote was cast. No such meeting occurred, and reportedly they plan to fight the decertification.
Menu
