Gov. Whitmer Announces New Investment in Outdoor Recreation, Supporting 65 Jobs and Tourism Industry in Northwest Michigan 

$1.4 million grant will improve outdoor experiences on and around the Betsie Valley Trail 

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments has been awarded $1.4 million to boost outdoor recreation by enhancing trail capacity along the Manistee County Rural Communities Multi-Use Trail as part of a U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant program. The project is expected to support a total of 65 jobs in the area.    

“This grant to support Northern Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry will help us continue growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and investing in every region of the state,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The investment will create or retain 65 good-paying jobs in Traverse City to extend the Betsie Valley Trail and build a bridge over Bear Creek. Earlier this year, I signed the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, which made the largest one-time investment in our state and local parks in state history, bolstering countless tourism and recreation businesses across Michigan. Today’s grant builds on that plan to invest in pure Michigan and will help us keep moving forward.” 

“Tourists come from all over to enjoy Betsie Valley Trail’s breathtaking views and outdoor activities. This important investment in our recreational infrastructure will help boost the region’s tourism economy” said Senator Debbie Stabenow. 

“Michiganders know that our public lands are not only key natural and economic resources – they are part of our state’s DNA,” said Senator Gary Peters. “These funds I helped secure as part of the American Rescue Plan will make investments in Manistee and Benzie counties that will enhance local trails, boost tourism and support jobs.” 

“The outdoor recreation industry is a nearly $10 billion economy, supporting more than 100,000 direct jobs in Michigan,” says Brad Garmon, director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “Direct investments like this into the state’s world-class trails and communities will help us continue to attract and retain talent, spark more private investment in future outdoor products and innovation, and help these communities be good stewards as they provide access to the great outdoors for more people.” 

The project will extend the Betsie Valley Trail and construct a bridge over Bear Creek that will provide direct access from local communities to the trail. The EDA investment will be matched with $347,820 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 65 jobs and generate $500,000 in private investment. 

“President Biden recognizes the vital contribution the travel and tourism industry makes to the American economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “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.” 

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will enhance the outdoor recreational attractions in Manistee and Benzie counties in Northwest Michigan that will draw tourists, boost the local tourism industry and create jobs in areas that need them.” 

This project is funded under the EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022. 

Governor Whitmer’s State and Local Parks Funding  

The Building Michigan Together Plan’s will invest approximately $250 million to help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a significant backlog of infrastructure, repair, and maintenance needs at 103 existing state parks. Combined with the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $200 million investment in local parks and recreation facilities, Michigan is investing a once-in-a-lifetime total of $450 million to make parks and recreation resources safer, more attractive, and welcoming for residents and visitors.   

Economic Benefits of Parks   

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in the state.    

On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit, meaning the Building Michigan Together Plan’s $250 million investment in state parks will yield $1 billion in economic benefits for families, small businesses, and local communities.  

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