NPCA Virginia National Parks Study

A new report from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) highlights financial benefits provided by Colonial National Historical Park and the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Yorktown to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The report, Making Connections: Colonial National Historical Park Enhances Economic Vitality in Virginia’s Historic Triangle, finds that Colonial National Historical Park is a strong economic driver for the region, providing jobs and highly desired open space and recreational opportunities for the millions of visitors.

According to the report, 363,000 visitors toured the park in 2010, spending an estimated $327 million in the Historic Triangle region. Visitors supported 1,184 local private-sector jobs and 81 National Park Service staff members at the park.

The report also highlights the positive impact a new national park at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia would have on the Historic Triangle and the local economy.

“There is a growing demand for recreational opportunities throughout the state for hiking, birding, boating and other outdoor activities,” said Goddard. “The Old Point Comfort Peninsula offers public access to over two miles of beautiful Chesapeake Bay shoreline, camping facilities and a marina.  Fort Monroe’s rich history and beaches will create a world-class destination and infuse tourist dollars into the regional economy.”

According to NPCA data, 40% of jobs in the area are in tourism-related businesses.  A national study commissioned by NPCA found that every federal dollar invested in national parks generates at least four dollars of economic value to the public.

To view the full report, visit:

http://www.npca.org/mid_atlantic/who_we_are/regional-publications.html