The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD) and Innovate Marquette SmartZone are beginning to develop a proposal for an Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better grant and have requested the participation of the City of Marquette in conceptualizing a component project that could support the creation of a regional Outdoor Recreation Innovation District. The coalition’s aim is to develop a holistic approach to growing a globally competitive outdoor recreation economy in Marquette County, beginning with a focus on outdoor recreation mobility and advanced manufacturing. The long-term vision is to leverage the region's unique strengths by developing a high-functioning ecosystem of collaboration in support of an innovative outdoor recreation industry, the growth of which will lead to above average wage jobs in technology, manufacturing, and science while creating a more sustainable and equitable future for the region.

The Build Back Better grant depends on partnerships and requires local coalitions to identify three to eight projects that could lead to progress toward a common vision for industry cluster growth. The concept team has identified a variety of key components that could be important for developing a focused and holistic approach to nurturing this industry. For the Phase I application, these components do not have to be fully developed; they are intended to be conceptual and if selected as one of the 50-60 awardees nationwide, the coalition could receive $500,000 to further develop the concepts in preparation of a Phase II application.

CUPPAD has requested a letter of support to include in the initial application for the Build Back Better grant.