WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) announced the economic impact resulting from the redesignation of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Specifically, the U.S. National Park Service’s (NPS) 2021 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report found that since the redesignation, visitor spending in communities near the Park and Preserve resulted in a $35.2 million benefit to the state’s economy and supported 1,090 jobs in West Virginia.
In 2021, nearly 1.7 million park visitors spent an estimated $82.6 million in local gateway regions while visiting the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, with 88.1% of visitors from out-of-state.
“This report shows what we knew from the beginning: Redesignating the New River Gorge would be a game changer. This is exactly the type of impact I knew we could create when I began the redesignation process, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the results. West Virginia is truly a hidden gem, offering world-class recreational opportunities, breathtaking views, and kind people, and I’m so proud that we can share this with the world. Establishing the New River Gorge as our first-ever National Park and Preserve has clearly shown the world how wild and wonderful West Virginia is, and been incredibly effective in stimulating local economies and job growth. I’m grateful to the hardworking individuals who helped make this possible by working tirelessly to promote tourism…
