State Receives Grant Funding to Boost Outdoor Recreation

Liz Gullett

Sep 02, 2022

Trail capacity along the Manistee County Rural Communities Multi-Use Trail will be expanded due to a $1.4 million grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. While Michigan residents have always enjoyed the use of the state’s natural resources, throughout the pandemic the number of residents utilizing outdoor recreation spaces has grown exponentially. This latest investment will further grow the availability for residents, while supporting the outdoor recreation industry. The industry supports billions in state Gross Domestic Product and sustains 126,000 jobs and over $4.7 billion in wages and salaries in Michigan.

The project will extend the Betsie Valley Trail and construct a bridge over Bear Creek that will provide direct access for local communities to the trail. The grant 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.

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