BERLIN, Md. (AP) — Assateague Island National Seashore has generated a nearly $110 million economic impact in local communities.
The Daily Times of Salisbury reports the National Park Service said in its annual 2015 report that more than 2 million people who visited the National Seashore spent over $96 million in communities near the park.
Officials say that spending supported 1,320 jobs in the area and had a cumulative benefit of $109,970,500 to the local economy. Most spending was for lodging followed by food and beverages and other expenses.
Superintendent Debbie Darden says in a statement that the National Seashore welcomes visitors from across the country and worldwide.
The visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service.