Grant awarded to Sault area

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo on Tuesday announced the department’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $2 million grant to the Sault Ste. Marie Convention & Visitors Bureau to boost tourism by enhancing the Sault Ste. Marie International 500 Raceway. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will construct new roads, a parking lot, vendor building and other upgrades that will help make the raceway venue a year-round tourist destination, the department said. The EDA investment will be matched with $513,000 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 50 jobs and generate $2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” Raimondo said in a news release. “This EDA investment underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to helping this critical sector not only recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic but build back stronger and more equitably for the future.”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release, “This $2 million investment in the Sault will create or retain 50 good-paying jobs and help us continue to grow our Pure Michigan economy. Since I took office, we have made the largest one-time investment in state and local parks in Michigan history, supporting local tourism and recreation driven economies across our great state. “

Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Hills, said in a news release, “Investing in infrastructure is critical to Michigan’s economy and attracting visitors, including in the Upper Peninsula.