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EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday announced a $170,376 grant to improve safety and provide avalanche protection for Copper Peak Inc. in Gogebic County.
"This investment preserves a vital source of employment and enjoyment in the Upper Peninsula, strengthening rural Michigan," said USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen R. Smith.
Copper Peak Inc. will use the grant to purchase and install an avalanche protection net system across the full surface of the concrete landing hill slab of Copper Peak. The recipient is contributing $92,687 in matching funds to complete the project. The needed safety equipment will help ensure ski jumping events continue to take place at Copper Peak and secure the economic activity that depends on it. Total project cost is $263,063.
The funds were provided through the Rural Business Development Grants program, which is designed to provide technical assistance and training for small rural businesses. The grants may be made to a public entity, an Indian Tribe or a nonprofit entity primarily serving rural areas.
According to a news release, "these investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services." To learn more about the agency, go online to www.rd.usda.gov/mi.