Cross-country skiing is among the outdoor activities that could potentially benefit from a federal grant that local agencies will administer. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — Outdoor recreation innovation efforts in the central Upper Peninsula are continuing to be made.

The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission and Innovate Marquette SmartZone received a $320,000 grant from the federal Economic Development Administration, as part of an overall $400,000 project to further outdoor recreation efforts in the central U.P.

According to a Wednesday press release from Siren, both organizations applied for the EDA grant through the Economic Adjustment Assistance program, meant to support communities experiencing adverse economic change that may occur suddenly or over time.

“As the economy in the central Upper Peninsula continues to evolve, it is imperative that we leverage the outdoor recreation industry to retain jobs, create new opportunities and bring outside investment to our area,” CUPPAD senior economic development and community planner Ryan Soucy said in the press release. “This grant from the Economic Development Administration provides the support we need in helping redevelop and revitalize the region.”

The grant will allow CUPPAD and Innovate Marquette to commence a three-phase, year-long project that will:

≤ Initiate the formation of the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network, a public-private industry collaborative.

≤ Work toward the development of an Outdoor Recreation Industry Growth Master Plan, which will “help the region adapt and diversify” from its former reliance on coal industry jobs and create a strategic framework for the outdoor recreation industry.

≤ Fund an electrified trails feasibility study, which will identify how the region can take advantage of the economic impacts related to future demand for electric powersports vehicles.

“The potential surrounding outdoor recreation in the Upper Peninsula is limitless, and we are grateful to the Economic Development Administration for recognizing the impact this grant will make as we continue our relentless pursuit of innovation and development in this industry,” Innovate Marquette SmartZone CEO Joe Thiel said in the press release. “I look forward to collaborating with our partners at CUPPAD and helping lay the groundwork for a more diverse and sustainable economy for our current and future residents.”

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters sent a letter to the Economic Development Administration in support of CUPPAD and Innovate Marquette’s application.

“The Upper Peninsula is home to world renowned outdoor recreation, which presents an opportunity for the region to be a leader in the emerging outdoor recreation industry,” Peters said in the press release. “I was proud to advocate for this funding, which will help CUPPAD and Innovate Marquette develop a strategy to advance recreation technologies, create jobs and support economic growth.”