U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.7 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Establish a Regional BMX Facility and Support Tourism in Morgantown, West Virginia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $4.7 million grant to the Mylan Park Foundation, Morgantown, West Virginia, to support construction of the Mylan Park Regional BMX Facility. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will boost the local tourism industry in a region that has been impacted by the declining use of coal by bringing new visitors to the city, its businesses, and attractions. This EDA grant will be matched with $1.2 million in local funds and is expected to create 80 jobs, retain two jobs and generate $1.2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan delivers federal resources to communities to ensure our nation not only recovers from the pandemic, but builds a better America for the future,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This project will boost tourism and outdoor recreation in Morgantown while providing economic stability for the region.”

“The travel and tourism industry is an important part of many local economies across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will allow Morgantown to build on existing outdoor recreation assets to create new economic opportunity and jobs.”

“Today’s announcement is great news for the tourism industry in Morgantown and their continued efforts to develop sustainable tourism growth while spurring new economic opportunities for the region,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “The EDA continues to be a strong partner for West Virginia through their support for economic development projects across the state, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding for the Mountain State.”

“This investment of $4.7 million in the Mylan Park Foundation, combined with more than $1 million in additional local investments, is another crucial step in helping West Virginia’s economy emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Congressman David B. McKinley (WV-01). “The Mylan Park Regional BMX Facility will create new jobs and help add to West Virginia’s already-thriving tourism industry. I look forward to seeing the success of this investment and the enjoyment it will bring to West Virginians and tourists alike for many years to come.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. 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.