Virginia forked over $536,000 to have an episode of ABC's "The Bachelorette" filmed in its capital city of Richmond, with assurances that slogan "Virginia is for lovers" would be uttered at least once.
The $536,130.38 payment, uncovered by a Richmond Times-Dispatch Freedom of Information Act request, included a $300,000 direct payment to the show and an additional $236,130.38 payment to cover costs such as meals and lodging associated with bringing production to the commonwealth.
It is unclear how involved Virginia governor Ralph Northam, a Democrat who made a cameo in the episode that his press team says was unplanned, was in the decision to provide financial incentives to the show.
"What is your idea of the perfect date with Becca in the Commonwealth of Virginia?" Northam asked one of the contestants during a mock debate held during the episode.
The visit to Virginia, which included costumed appearances by actors playing former presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, wasn't received well by the show's fans.
The state tourism corporation, however, claims it brought the state $47 million worth of publicity.