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Tennessee State
Parks Provide Strong Support for Local Economies
(March 2, 2010) Governor Phil
Bredesen and Tennessee Department of
Environment and Conservation
Commissioner Jim Fyke announced
today the results of a University of
Tennessee study that quantifies the
significant positive impact
Tennessee State Parks have on the
state’s economy. The study indicates
Tennessee State Parks pump millions
of dollars into local economies and
create thousands of jobs.
“Our nationally recognized state
parks provide Tennesseans with
invaluable resources for recreation,
protect the landscapes and cultural
sites that make our state special,
and now we have data that validates
what we’ve long known − they also
provide economic engines and jobs in
some of our most rural communities,”
said Bredesen. “I’m pleased to see
the results of this research, which
supports our belief that Tennessee
State Parks strongly support local
economies.”
The study, titled, “Economic Impacts
of Tennessee’s State Parks,” was
conducted by the University of
Tennessee Human Dimensions Research
Lab in the Institute of Agriculture.
It concluded that in FY2008-2009,
Tennessee State Parks visitors
directly spent $725.2 million on
items such as food, gas, lodging and
activities for visits to state
parks, financing nearly 12,000 jobs
in Tennessee communities.
Additionally, the study indicates
that for every dollar spent on trips
to Tennessee State Parks, an
additional $1.11 of economic
activity was generated, resulting in
$1.5 billion in total industry
output. That brings the total number
of jobs supported by state parks in
Tennessee to more than 18,600.
Indirect business taxes from state
park visitors were estimated at
$106.3 million.
According to the study, state parks
also play a role in reducing
physical and mental health costs and
increasing overall productivity,
while increasing the state’s
attractiveness to industries and
individuals looking to relocate in
an area rich in natural amenities.
“Our award-winning Tennessee State
Parks offer a variety of no-cost and
low-cost recreational opportunities
and cost effective accommodations,”
said Fyke. “We’re pleased to have
such an important role in helping to
make Tennessee such an attractive
place to live, work and play.”
The complete economic impact study
is available on the Environment and
Conservation Web site at
www.tnstateparks.com/economic_impact.
The economic impact study was
conducted for inclusion in
Tennessee’s comprehensive outdoor
recreation plan, which will guide
outdoor recreation priorities over
the next 10 years. The recreation
plan, which is titled, “Tennessee
2020,” is in the final stages of
completion after significant public
input, and will be available in the
coming weeks.
Tennessee's 53 state parks offer
diverse natural, recreational and
cultural experiences for
individuals, families, or business
and professional groups. State park
features range from pristine natural
areas to 18-hole championship golf
courses. For a free brochure about
Tennessee State Parks, call toll
free 1-888-867-2757. For additional
information, visit the Web site at
www.tnstateparks.com.
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