Analyzing the impact of the firefly trail on economic development in northeast Georgia.

PDFTech Report15-22PI#0013731Economic developmentInput output modelsEconomic impactsData analysisConstructionTrailsJob opportunitiesRevenuesGeorgiaGeorgia Institute of TechnologyDhongde, ShataksheeGeorgia Institute of TechnologyGeorgia. Dept. of TransportationUS Transportation CollectionThis research report contains the findings of the analysis undertaken to measure the economic impact of the proposed Firefly Trail on the local economy. An input-output model was constructed to study the economic impact of the project on the local economy. The entire analysis was conducted using county level data. Results of the analysis indicate that the construction of the project will lead to a one-time increase in total output by $32 million. The construction of the trail will also create 158 additional jobs, mostly in construction, real estate, and wholesale trade. As a result, household incomes will rise by $6.9 million. Construction activities will generate tax revenue of around $50,000 at the county level, $800,000 at the state level and $1.26 million at the federal level. Furthermore, assuming an annual turnout of about 1.13 million visitors to the trail, total output will increase by $14.7 million per year when the trail is operational. Thus the analysis concludes that investment in the Firefly Trail project will generate economic benefits to the local economy in multiple ways