Branson nets $6.2 million for 76 Entertainment District improvements

BRANSON, Mo. — The City of Branson announced on Monday that they have secured $6.2 million in funding from the state budget to improve the West 76 community.

According to the city and the 76 Entertainment Community Improvement District (76ECID), the budget bills recently signed by Governor Mike Parson will allocate $6.2 million for “all expenditures associated with the planning, design and construction of infrastructure improvements” for the West 76 Entertainment District.

The city says the funding will be used to make improvements from the Branson Ferris Wheel to the Shepherd of The Hills Expressway.

“The 76ECID Board of Directors is immensely grateful for this show of support from the State of Missouri,” said Ann McDowell, communications liaison for the 76ECID. “This project is one of the largest public-private economic development efforts in Missouri. With help from many supporters and advocates, we were able to show that our proven, revenue-producing, community-supported project was worth the investment.”

The 76 Entertainment District revitalization project, launched in 2012, is working on a master plan focused on improving West Highway 76 by improving the visual appeal of the district, strengthening pedestrian safety, relocating utilities underground and more.

The first segment in the plan, a mid-corridor extension from Presley’s Country Jubilee to the Branson Ferris Wheel, was completed in 2022. Two other segments are set for construction in early 2025, with a design from the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway to Gretna Road almost complete.

“It’s important to remember the significant role that tourism in the Branson region holds in Missouri,” said Branson Mayor Larry Milton. “Missouri Division of Tourism reports show us among the top destinations in the state. By working together, our Branson area partners are helping both Branson and the State of Missouri grow and prosper.”

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