U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Activity in North Dakota’s Rendezvous Region

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.2 million grant to Pembina Gorge Foundation, Walhalla, North Dakota, for infrastructure improvements at Frost Fire Park. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will support the long-term recovery of tourism and outdoor recreation activities in the Rendezvous Region by replacing outdated snowmaking infrastructure needed to extend Frost Fire Park’s operating season. The EDA investment will be matched with $542,622 in local funds and is expected to create 23 jobs.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as they work to recover and rebuild following the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will attract additional outdoor enthusiasts to the Rendezvous Region of North Dakota, boosting the economy and creating jobs.”

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led economic development strategies designed to boost tourism and build a better America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide infrastructure that will help Frost Fire Park reduce the impact from weather and create a reliable and long-term winter sports season.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by both the Red River Regional Council (RRRC) and the North Central Planning Council (NCPC). EDA funds RRRC and NCPC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

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.

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.