FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) - A study by Virginia Tech has found that state parks in Virginia contributed about $267 million to the economy in 2018.
The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg reported Sunday that Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business had focused on the economic impact of visitors to the state's 38 parks.
The study found the economic activity supported nearly 4,000 jobs in Virginia. It was also responsible for about $133.2 million in wages and salary income in 2018.
The report looked at money spent on things such as hotels, campgrounds and restaurants
Tim Kennell, president of the Virginia Association For Parks, said he hopes the report will shore up support for more funding for the parks.
