he final version of the John Glenn Great Lakes Recreational Boating report is complete. The report—prepared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, with assistance from the Great Lakes Commission—is available on the Corps Web site at
www.lre.usace.army.mil/.
The study estimates the economic impact of recreational boating by tracing the flow of spending from boaters through the regional economy. The study also includes analysis associated with businesses such as marinas, charter boats and boat dealers, as well as the broader impacts of boaters on tourism industries and supporting businesses.
“This report demonstrates the economic impact recreational boating has on the Great Lakes and surrounding region,” said Lt. Col. James B. Davis, Detroit District Engineer.
The study, which used 2003 U.S. Coast Guard boater registration data, found:
• There were 911,000 recreational boaters on the Great Lakes.
• Boaters spent $2.36 billion per year on boating trips.
• They also spent $1.44 billion per year on boats, boating equipment and supplies.
• Boating creates 60,000 jobs with $1.77 billion in personal income.
The report was prepared in response to Section 455(c) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999, which directed the Secretary of the Army, in cooperation with the Great Lakes States, to submit a report to Congress detailing the economic benefits of recreational boating in the Great Lakes basin, particularly at harbors benefiting from operation and maintenance projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
A principal mission for the Corps of Engineers in the Great Lakes basin is the operation and maintenance of 139 federally authorized harbors, navigation channels and supporting infrastructure. Many of these harbors were developed by the Corps over a 150-year period to serve commercial navigation. Other harbors were built specifically to accommodate recreational boating. Additional harbors were also constructed to provide rough weather refuge for small craft/recreational boats, serving as “harbors of refuge”.
The report is available on the Detroit District’s Web site at
http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/_kd/It...=5168=ShowItem.
For questions or more details, contact Lynn Duerod at the Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District Public Affairs Office, at 313-226-4680.
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com...TES01/90113011 
The John Glenn Boating Report is complete 
