GLIN==> Levin: Army Corps study finds Great Lakes recreational boating produces over $9 billion annual economic impact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 12, 2009	Contact: Senator Levin's Office Phone: 202.224.6221

Levin: Army Corps study finds Great Lakes recreational boating produces over $9 billion annual economic impact

More than 900,000 boaters support 60,000 jobs throughout the Great Lakes basin

WASHINGTON ? Senator Carl Levin, D-Mich., today released the results of a study [PDF] conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers estimating the annual economic impact ? both direct and secondary ? of recreational boating on the Great Lakes at $9.4 billion, including $5.1 billion in sales and $1.8 billion in personal income. According to the report, an average of 911,000 boaters visit the Great Lakes annually, supporting 60,000 jobs. ?This study clearly demonstrates that hundreds of thousands of recreational boaters come to the Great Lakes every year because the lakes are such a treasure, and they bring with them billions of dollars in economic activity and jobs,? said Levin. ?Recreational boating is an important part of our economy in Michigan and around the Great Lakes and this study provides further support for federal funding to keep this economic engine running.? The John Glenn Great Lakes Recreational Boating Report analyzes the economic importance of recreational boating to the Great Lakes states by tracing the flow of spending throughout the regional economy. In particular, the report finds that the nearly one million recreational boaters on the Great Lakes spend $2.44 billion each year on boating trips and $1.44 billion each year on boats, equipment and supplies. Michigan is first among Great Lakes states having nearly one million registered recreational boats, less than half of which belong to people living in coastal counties. The report was prepared by the Detroit District of the Army Corps of Engineers with assistance from the Great Lakes Commission. It was first authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 1999.