U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.6 Million to Support Growth of Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Sector in Ecorse, Michigan

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.6 million grant to the city of Ecorse, Michigan, to boost the local tourism economy by expanding the John D. Dingell Park and a boat launch on the Detroit River.

This grant will expand outdoor recreational opportunities and increase tourism in a region impacted by the declining use of coal. The EDA investment will be matched with $410,400 in local funds.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring that our nation’s coal communities are provided with the resources they need to transition to new industries,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will draw tourism and business to Ecorse’s riverfront.”

“The Economic Development Administration is proud to partner with Ecorse as it works to boost its economic diversification efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will support small businesses, build regional resiliency and help bring economic prosperity to the region.”

“This $1.6 million investment in Ecorse will benefit the local economy and boost tourism,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Earlier this year, I signed the Building Michigan Together Plan, which included the largest one-time investment in our state and local parks ever, estimated to have an economic impact of $1.8 billion. I will work with anyone to support our tourism and recreation businesses. Today, our economy is growing with low unemployment, strong job growth, and transformational investments in every region. Let’s work together to build on this momentum and move Michigan forward.”

“Across Michigan unique recreational and tourism opportunities draw visitors from all over and showcase the best of what our state has to offer,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I’m pleased to welcome this federal investment in Ecorse that will help to bolster the regional economy.”

“Ecorse is a unique community in providing access to our district and region’s greatest asset and attraction, the Detroit River and the John D. Dingell Park,” said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13). “This opportunity to further expand access to these resource for our residents will be instrumental in connecting our communities. I know that this funding will be a great benefit not only to highlight our district’s natural resources but will also help to further much needed economic development for the city of Ecorse. Thank you to Secretary Raimondo and the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for this direct investment to the City of Ecorse and the 13th Congressional District.”

This project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal. ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.

This award is a great example of what communities can do under EDA’s new American Rescue Plan programs; particularly the $300 million Coal Communities Commitment. This investment will ensure that coal communities have the resources they need to recover from the pandemic and will help create new jobs and opportunities, including through the development or expansion of a new industry sector.

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.