Great Lakes Wire

The Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau has received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to attract tourists.

According to a Michigan government news release, the funds will renovate the Sault Ste. Marie International 500 Raceway.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said in the release. “This project in Sault Ste. Marie expands opportunities at an important tourism asset in the state’s Eastern Upper Peninsula region that will provide new jobs, attract more tourism dollars and build economic resiliency for decades to come.”

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the investment is expected to produce 50 well-paying jobs.

“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,” Whitmer said. “Today’s Michigan’s economy is growing, with low unemployment, 133,000 jobs added in the last year, and transformational projects bringing billions in investment and creating thousands of jobs. I will work with anyone to keep moving Michigan forward.”

The work will consist of new roads, a vendor building, parking spaces and upgrades that will make the raceway a year-round venue. 

“Investing in infrastructure is critical to Michigan’s economy and attracting visitors, including in the Upper Peninsula,” Michigan's Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters said. “This grant will provide federal resources for upgrades at the International 500 Raceway that will help boost tourism, support local jobs and strengthen the economy.”

The renovation will be financed through the EDA’s $240 million American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program.