The Economic Impact of the Proposed Chattahoochee Valley Blueway Project

How to cite this study

Blair, B.F. 2012. The economic impact of the proposed Chattahoochee Valley Blueway project. Columbus, GA: Butler Center for Business and Economic Research, Columbus State University.

Overview

This study estimated the economic impacts of the proposed Chattahoochee Valley Blueway paddling trail that flows through parts of Georgia and Alabama. Using an online survey, the author estimated expenditures and potential visitors over four years, assuming marketing will increase the customer base to include counties within a two-hour drive after two years, counties within a four-hour drive after three years, and counties within a six-hour drive after four years. The study concluded that the project will increase total economic output in the eight-county region by $1.7 million in the first year, and increase to more than $3.2 million by the fourth year.

Relevance

This study is relevant to researchers interested in measuring the economic impact generated by water trails. The data collected from surveys can inform policymakers and planners of the most effective areas to construct access points to support outdoor recreationists and increase outdoor recreational tourism. Through the survey, kayaking and canoeing as well as camping and hiking were found to be popular activities, indicating that building campgrounds near launch points could encourage multiple-activity recreation. 

The author also examined the economic impact that could arise from paddling festivals and special events using the Blueway as a theme. The author noted that results are most likely conservative estimates of the true impacts of the creation of the Blueway.

Location

This study is located on the Chattahoochee River in Georgia and Alabama. The author estimated that eight counties closest to the Blueway will be most affected, but that within four years, the customer base will expand to include counties that are up to a six-hour drive away.

Trail Type

The Blueway is a proposed 50-mile paddling trail on the Chattahoochee River. The project includes 8-10 canoe/kayak launch locations that will each be surrounded by green spaces and areas for camping and fishing along the river. These sites will provide continuous access to the river for recreational paddling, which will encourage tourism and economic activity.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an estimate of the economic impact that the region would experience as a result of the creation of the proposed Blueway. The study was prepared for The Trust for Public Land.

Findings

• In the survey, 75% of respondents were male, 90% were white, 76% had at least a college education, and 60% of households reported incomes less than $75,000. The most popular activity was kayaking (81% of participants), then camping (68%), hiking (67%), canoeing (53%), and rafting (23%). 
• After the customer base has been fully developed to include the counties that are 6 hours away (4 years after Blueway is developed), it is predicted that 18,000 paddling trips will occur on Blueway each year. 
• Including direct, indirect, and induced effects, economic activity in the region is expected to increase by more than $1.7 million in the first year, more than$2.7 million in year 2, and more than $3.1 million in the third year. The author predicted an annually recurring impact of almost $3.3 million once the marketing efforts take full effect in year 4.
• In the region, the total increase in personal income generated by the region will be nearly $620,000 in year one, nearly $1 million in year two, $1.1 million in year three, and nearly $1.2 million in year four. 
• The author estimated that the $1.34 million spent on Blueway construction will directly support 9.5 jobs in the region. An additional 2.5 workers will be employed as a result of the indirect economic effects, and increased local income and employment resulting from the construction activities will support an additional 3.0 jobs. In total, construction expenditures are predicted to support a short-term increase of almost 15 jobs in the region.