Visitor spending at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia has been a boon for the local economy. The National Park Service’s 2022 report showed that the park contributed $96.1 million to the economy and created 1,044 jobs.
In the same year, more than 1.5 million people visited the park, injecting an estimated $79.3 million into nearby areas. Interestingly, a vast majority (88.1%) of these visitors were from outside the state.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito praised the park for its economic benefits. She emphasized that the combined contribution of all national park units in West Virginia, which includes the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and the Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park, was $133.8 million.
The senator also appreciated the park’s performance after its redesignation in 2020, mentioning that the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve keeps its momentum from when it was first renamed and remains a significant contributor to West Virginia’s economy.
The name change from “New River Gorge National River” to “New River Gorge National Park and Preserve” happened through the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation Act, which Senator Capito authored. The move had two main intentions: to spotlight the park’s natural and historical significance and to ensure that hunting and fishing traditions in the region remain for upcoming generations.
She also pointed out that the welcoming nature and efforts of local communities are vital to hosting the influx of park tourists. Specifically, she lauded the people of Hinton, Fayetteville, Meadow Bridge, among others, for being excellent representatives of West Virginia.
On a related note, Senator Capito has managed to earmark $7,424,198 for the New River Gorge region in the fiscal year 2024 funding proposals. Nevertheless, these funds’ release hinges on their approval by the U.S. House of Representatives, and they will be allocated only if both legislative chambers agree and the bill becomes law.
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August 29, 2023 at 12:15AM
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New River Gorge National Park Generates $96.1 Million and ... - Shelley Moore Capito
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