Battlefield brings money to local economy

[Skeet]

Pards, I was reading an article the CWPT put out on the New Market battlefield bringing money to the local economy. It seems that the battlefield generated $1.7 million dollars last year to the local economy in New Market. The impact that the battlefield has help the local economy by leaps and bounds. This has gotten in the local paper in this area to bring attention to the public. It's articles like this that brings awarness to the preservation cause. Again, Bully to the CWPT! Respectfully, Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)

[Fod]

Re: Battlefield brings money to local economy

Great story and an important point..

"Heritage tourism" brings billions (yes with a B) of economic benefit to the states. Educating the community about that benefit should be a strategy in any preservation effort.

Communities seeking "development" usually focus on the well understood tax and economic benefits of developing businesses and residential areas. See the site below for some links that provide methodology for calculating the economic and tax benefit of preserving a cultural resource (ie a historic site). Do you think the community leaders would be more responsive to "preservation" if you showed how developing the resource as a tourist site could bring in more money than bulldozing it for strip malls?

Keep in mind that tourist dollars are a highly desirable from a government point of view because you don't have to provide government services (infrastructure, schools, etc) in return, like you do taxes from residents.

http://www.nps.gov/phso/sources/linksht.htm

[Skeet]

Re: Battlefield brings money to local economy

I believe if the local governments took into perspective the amount of money that can be generated from preservation, they would be more supportive. I also think that local governments have to take into account the will of the people. I think with the efforts of the CWPT and local residents many local governments will pay more attention to preservation. When dealing with government agencies, It comes down to money. Respectfully, Cpl Dan Morgan 10thVA(IVR)