MARQUETTE — The city of Negaunee announced Monday that it is seeking a $3.6 million grant from the United States Economic Development Administration to fund construction of a campground and trailhead.

Negaunee hopes that the campground and trailhead project could create up to 58 new jobs and also anticipates that the campground could bring in over $650,000 per year into the local economy. That estimate assumes that the campground will be at 100% capacity from May until October, with each campsite costing an estimated $50 per night. Even if the campground is 50% full, the city estimates that the facility could bring in well over $320,000 per year.

The proposed location for the campground would be off of County Road 480 within Negaunee city limits. The campground is planned to host 71 campsites that will have electrical and water hookups, as well as access to restrooms, showers and a sewer dump station.

The trailhead portion of the project will be located off of Rail Street, which is adjacent to the Negaunee Ice Arena. With at least 25 proposed parking sites, a lighted parking lot and a picnic area, the trailhead will be an easily accessible point for those hoping to get on the trails without having to leave town and will be a starting-off point for off-road vehicles.

“Negaunee will begin to mark a new and aggressive era of investment in the public parks,” said Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron in a press release. “Negaunee stands at the crossroads of all modes of recreation; from hiking to biking, snowmobiling to ORVing.”

The project relies heavily on the relationship between the city and the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.

“We are happy to be working with the city. We believe it will bring in more users, provide amenities for existing users and provide additional awareness of the trail system,” said Iron Ore Heritage Trail administrator Carol Fulsher.

The grant money would be part of a new program made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed by President Biden last March. If the grant is rewarded, the city will be obligated to invest 20% of the total cost of the project, which is a little over $920,000. The city hopes to begin construction of the project in 2023.