This EDA investment supports the city of ELY with constructing the new ELY regional trailhead facility, which will enhance the region's attractiveness as a tourist destination in saint louis county,…

The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the City of Ely, Minnesota $2,687,702 under the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) program on July 12, 2022. The funding will support construction of a new Ely Regional Trailhead Facility, which will enhance the region's attractiveness as a tourist destination in Saint Louis County. Ely's economy relies significantly more on tourism than the rest of Minnesota, with pandemic-related business closures reducing tourism-related payrolls by up to 18% from 2020 to 2021. The new trailhead facility will provide amenities such as restrooms, vending machines, and common areas to welcome tourists to the region and support local businesses as the area recovers from fluctuations in tourism. The project aims to increase employment opportunities, spur private investment, and advance regional economic resiliency.

This EDA investment supports the city of ELY with constructing the new ELY regional trailhead facility, which will enhance the region's attractiveness as a tourist destination in saint louis county, minnesota. ELY's economy is significantly more reliant on tourism than the rest of minnesota, and pandemic-related business closures reduced payrolls associated with the industry by as much as 18 percent from 2020 to 2021. The project will provide for amenities such as restrooms, vending machines, and common areas designed to welcome tourists to the region and its local businesses, which will assist in the region's recovery and make IT more resilient to fluctuations in tourism, increase employment opportunities, spur private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.