Updated Dec. 2 to clarify the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will continue acting as the county's tourism agency as it has for decades. The story as originally reported indicated the chamber would begin acting as the tourism agency. North Country Now regrets the error.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce will continue acting as the county’s “Tourism Promotion Agent” as it has for many years.

By designating the chamber as such, the county is eligible for more funding opportunities through the Empire State Development Division of Tourism Matching Funds Program.

Participation in the program doubles the amount of funding earmarked by the “I Love New York” funding for St. Lawrence County.

According to the state, visitor expenditures totaled more than $130 million in St. Lawrence County and $8.7 million in local taxes in 2018.

The resolution, which was passed by the Finance Committee, will ideally allow the county to continue receiving more state funding to aid tourism efforts.

The current contract between the county and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce incentivizes efforts by providing the chamber with 45% of the county’s occupancy tax take. The occupancy tax is levied on people who stay at hotels, motels and other temporary occupancy providers.

The measure will still require approval by the full Board of Legislators before it will take effect.