SAULT STE. MARIE -- After years of waiting, massive improvements on the I-500 property in Sault Ste. Marie will start in a few months.
Eleven months out of the year, the property sits idle. The Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to make the large area off I-75 available for year-round events.
Earlier this week, officials awarded phase one of the project to Bacco Construction, with a bid just over $2.1 million. Upgrades will include revamped parking lots, a vendor facility, better access to the property and more.
Work is slated to start after the 2025 I-500 snowmobile race.
“There are just so many different possibilities. I am getting excited because it’s about doing more for this community. This is community is amazing,” said Linda Hoath, Sault CVB executive director.
The majority of the project’s funding comes from a $2.5 million American Rescue Plan grant. The CVB plans to match 20% and has raised $420,000.