New analysis shows potential employment impact for Oregon
An analysis commissioned by The Pew Charitable Trusts and prepared by Cadmus Group shows that investing in the maintenance of our national parks could create or support more than 1,026 jobs here in Oregon and 110,169 jobs across the country.
“This new projection shows that investing in our national parks pays off right here in our state by creating good jobs,” said Crater Lake National Park Trust President Bill Thorndike, “Our Trust works to help protect, promote, and enhance Crater Lake National Park, its unique water purity, and its value for human inspiration and knowledge. Addressing these needed and backlogged repairs is critical to the future of the Park.”
The National Park Service (NPS) reports it has more than 42,000 assets across its 400-plus sites that have overdue infrastructure repairs and that fixing them will cost approximately $11.3 billion (based on 2016 data). This deferred maintenance includes crumbling roads, deteriorating historic buildings, impassable trails, and outdated utility systems, all of which can negatively impact visitor access and safety, the protection of our nation’s history, and local communities that depend on park visitation for economic survival.
In Oregon, there is over $105 million of deferred maintenance in the state’s six NPS assets. Crater Lake National Park alone faces a deferred maintenance backlog of $85,318,818 and needs repairs that include over $60 million in roadwork, $9 million in building maintenance and $6.9 million in trail maintenance. If an investment were made to fully address the deferred maintenance in all of the park units in our state, it could create 1,026 jobs in Oregon.
“Our national parks are not only important places to visit—offering educational and recreation opportunities to visitors—they are proven economic drivers for gateway communities such as Medford,” said Brad Hicks, CEO of the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County. “Infrastructure-related jobs will help to ensure the longevity of parks in Oregon maintain a positive visitor experience, and benefit gateway businesses and state marketing plans that revolve around parks.
Park rangers have had their hands tied because they have not received adequate and reliable congressional funding to make the necessary repairs at sites that are often decades old and are experiencing pressure from increased visitation.
NPS sites help us celebrate and commemorate our history, marvel at natural wonders, and enjoy a myriad of recreational activities. By investing in national park sites, we will create jobs and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy them.
The Crater Lake National Park Trust was formed during planning for the Park’s 100th anniversary in 2002. We envision a future in which Crater Lake National Park is widely recognized as an Oregon icon and a national treasure; in which the Park serves as a thriving laboratory and classroom; and in which every Oregonian and growing numbers of others feel a deep connection and love for Crater Lake.
The Chamber of Medford/Jackson County’s priority is to create a stronger local economy. Over 1,500 small and large businesses collectively work together to achieve this goal by promoting the community, providing networking opportunities and representing business issues through lobbying and political action.
