SAULT STE. MARIE — Officials in Northern Michigan are making progress toward making the home of the world’s largest single-day snowmobile race useable year-round.
The Sault News reported Wednesday that the Sault City Commission awarded a construction project at the I-500 track to Bacco Construction of Iron Mountain.
It is home of the International 500 Snowmobile Race, which attracts riders from across North America and brings millions of dollars in tourism to the Sault area each winter.
Officials plan to make significant investments at the site to make it viable for events like concerts, carnival and other types of races year-round.
By upgrading the facilities at the site through new parking lots, upgraded buildings, connected roads, expanded utilities and changes to seating areas, local officials hope to be able to host events like concerts all year long to bring even more visitors into town.
Much of the funding for the project is coming from a $2.5 million grant from the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s American Rescue Plan.
The Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitor’s Bureau must raise $500,000 in funds to access the full EDA grant.
Officials announced a $150,000 grant from the Great Lakes Sports Commission in April. In total, $420,000 has been raised, according to the newspaper.
Construction is set to begin after the 2025 race in February, the Sault News reported.
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