February 26, 2013
National Park Service: State parks draw 1.2M visitors who spend $53M
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GLEN JEAN, W.Va. -- A new report says National Park Service attractions in West Virginia draw more than 1 million visitors who add millions of dollars to local economies.

An analysis conducted by Michigan State University shows that park visitors in West Virginia spent a total $53 million in surrounding communities in 2011. Nationwide, visitors spent a total $13 billion.

The report says visitor spending in 2011 supported more than 700 jobs in areas surrounding the New River Gorge National River, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area.

New River Gorge deputy superintendent Debbie Darden says in a news release that the parks attract visitors from around the world.

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Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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