Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $850,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Tourism in Manistee, Michigan

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $850,000 grant to the city of Manistee, Michigan, to boost tourism by upgrading the city’s downtown riverwalk along the Manistee River. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will provide safety upgrades and improve access and walkability on the south riverwalk bringing new visitors to the region and stimulating business and job growth. The EDA investment will be matched with $240,000 in local funds and is expected to create or retain nearly 50 jobs and generate $178,500 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“Tourism is a critical economic driver in many communities across the nation,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will strengthen Manistee’s competitiveness as a tourist attraction in West Michigan, resulting in job creation and economic resiliency in the region.”

“This investment to upgrade Manistee’s downtown riverwalk will support the local economy and create or retain 50 good-paying jobs,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “In the last year, we have worked across the aisle in Michigan to make the largest one-time investment in state and local parks in Michigan history, supporting local tourism and recreation driven economies across our great state. 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.”

“Investing in infrastructure is critical to Michigan’s economy,” said Senator Gary Peters. “This grant will help the City of Manistee make needed upgrades to the Riverwalk that are important not only for safety but attracting visitors and spurring economic growth.”

This project is funded under 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 two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. 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.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.