LANSING – State Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, announced the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is backing an $85,000 grant to build a new ATV campground at Rapid River Falls in Delta County.

“This key project supports our tourism industry here in the U.P. by attracting new visitors to explore Delta County,” LaFave said. “I am pleased the DNR will continue to invest in our priceless natural resources, and I will support in the Legislature the DNR’s recommendation that we fund this project.”

The Rapid River recreation development project is among 34 projects statewide recommended by the DNR to receive grant funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. This fund was established in 1976 to support land conservation and outdoor recreation, and is financed through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals such as oil and natural gas. Recommendations for grant recipients must be approved by the state legislature and governor before funds can be distributed.

Local communities selected for MNRTF grants provide matching funds to further enhance the planned projects.