Fwd: [apbp] Silver Comet Trail Economic Impact Analysis study
Kelley Segars
I’m posting a link to the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission’s recently completed Silver Comet Trail Economic Impact Analysis and Planning Study. The report analyzed current trail use (in March 2013), projected annual usage, estimated economic impacts in direct spending and spillover impacts, and recommendations for future planning/expansion in adjacent communities. A big thanks to David Kenemer from NWGARC for initiating and funding and to Britt Storck and Brad Davis from Alta Planning + Design for the consulting work they provided.
For background, the SCT is a 60+ mile rail-trail from suburban Atlanta to the Alabama state line (where it continues 20 miles as the Chief Ladiga trail). The trail was initiated in the mid-90s and is hugely popular, but this is the first comprehensive evaluation of usage of the trail as well as the critical economic impact numbers.
http://www.bwnwga.org/news/silver-comet-trail-study/
A few key takeaway points:
· The Silver Comet Trail has an estimated 1.9 million users each year;
· During the two-week survey period people visiting the trail traveled from 23 counties and 8 states, including Washington State, to use the trail;
· The majority of trail users are bicyclists, particularly in more remote and rural areas;
· The trail generates over $50m in direct spending each year;
· Including jobs and property tax benefits, the trail generates a total $461m in economic benefit statewide and would increase to $735m if future expansion plans are completed;
· For every $1 spent on the Silver Comet Trail expansion, Georgians gain an estimated $4.64 in direct and indirect economic benefits.
The NWGARC and Alta project staff and I will be presenting on the study at the upcoming Georgia Planning Association, Georgia Bike Summit, and APA 2014 conferences, if anyone is planning to attend those.
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Byron Rushing
Bicycle & Pedestrian Planner
Atlanta Regional Commission
regional impact + local relevance