To make the town more attractive to visitors, The State College Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800 E. Park Ave., will receive a $132,030 matching grant from the state, Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre and Mifflin) said yesterday.

The state government allocated these funds to match those raised by the Department of Community and Economic Development to promote tourism. The bureau has flexibility in using the grant money to promote tourism in Centre County.

State College's central location and new facilities like the Bryce Jordan Center have caused it to become a major location for meetings and conventions.

Tourism is the state's second largest industry, generating $34 billion each year.

The Visitors Bureau informs the public about attractions and events going on throughout the state.

Tourism promotion agencies shared $11.5 million from the Department of Community and Economic Development's matching grant program.

"It's always good to get some tax dollars back in our community," Benninghoff said.