THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF
Padre Island National Seashore
CONTRIBUTED BY : PATRICK GAMMAN CHIEF OF INTERPRETATION AND EDUCATION , PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
When national parks were first created they were started with the idea that they would protect and preserve the resources , and give business opportunities to local communities to provide goods and services . National parks have been and continue to be an important economic driver for the nation . For every dollar that American taxpayers invest in the National Park Service , ten dollars are returned to the U . S . economy through visitor spending in surrounding communities .
Padre Island National Seashore is providing a positive economic impact in its surrounding communities . In 2015 alone , visitors to Padre Island National Seashore spent approximately $ 24.6 Million in local regions . This spending support- ed 368 jobs and contributed an estimated value of $ 28.1 Million to the local economy .
2016 was a big year for Padre Island National Seashore as it was the National Park Service ' s centennial . Visitation went up at all of the more than four hundred national park sites . Exact numbers for visitation and economic impacts for 2016 will be released sometime in April , 2017 .
Padre Island National Seashore is a special place for many Americans . As park rangers we are proud to serve the public at this amazing seashore and we are very happy to be one of the attractions that bring tourist dollars to the greater Corpus Christi area . National Parks : a great model for conservation and a great business model for nearby communities .
19 BUSINESS MATTERS MARCH 2017