U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $671,500 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism Growth in Mariposa County, California

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $671,500 grant to Mariposa County, California, to help develop the Mariposa Creek Trailhead and Destination Park. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will support the long-term recovery of tourism in Mariposa County through the expansion of recreational opportunities designed to make the county a year-round destination for visitors. This EDA investment will be matched with $180,000 in state and local funds.

“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 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 help local businesses that rely on tourism become more resilient to seasonal downturns and economic disruptions like those caused by the coronavirus pandemic.”

“This grant will expand recreational opportunities in Mariposa County, helping to drive travel and tourism year-round in our scenic Sierra foothills,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “California thanks the Biden Administration for its continued support to foster long-term resilience and economic growth for all our communities.”

“As we continue to recover from the devastating economic impacts of the COVID pandemic, federal investments will help our small businesses in Mariposa County thrive,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This funding was only possible thanks to the American Rescue Plan – which I was proud to support. I’ll continue working in Congress to support projects like the Mariposa Creek Trailhead and Destination Park to drive tourism and bring significant benefits to the local community.”

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.