Report: Lake Mead pumps $260M into nearby communities
A new National Park Service report shows just how much Lake Mead has helped nearby communities last year.
According to the report, in 2013, visitors to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area spent $260 million in communities with 60 miles of the park, which is an $8 million increase over the year before.
The recreation area ranked among the top 10 in visitor spending out of all 401 parks under the National Park Service’s control.
“This is impressive news for our local communities. It shows that despite lowering lake levels and a 16-day government shutdown, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, continues to be a premier recreation destination and a critical economic engine for our gateway communities and partners,” said Bill Dickinson, park superintendent.
Lake Mead supports approximately 2,900 jobs locally. The biggest expenditures were on lodging, followed by food and beverages, gas and oil and admissions and fees.