Governor Corbett Kayaks Upper Susquehanna River; Tourism Along Rt. 6 Corridor Contributes $5.75 Billion to Local Economy

Published on : Tuesday, August 19, 2014

pennsylvania_logo-300x67 (1)Governor Tom Corbett joined state and local officials, and local tourism and conservation partners to kayak the Upper Susquehanna River in Bradford County as part of a two-day tour to promote Pennsylvania’s tourism industry.

 
“Kayaking is a wonderful way to see the beauty of Pennsylvania. We are protecting our environment to make sure our children and grandchildren can enjoy spending time on the river like we did today,” said Corbett. “As part of a statewide industry that supports more than 470,000 jobs, outdoor recreation and tourism along the Rt. 6 corridor contributes $5.75 billion to the local economy.”

 

In 2012, the state’s travel and tourism economy continued to expand with travel and tourism industry sales rising 3.8 percent to $38.4 billion. The number of travelers visiting Pennsylvania posted the highest growth rate since the recession, with the state hosting an estimated 192.3 million domestic and international travelers. Travel and tourism related economic activity supported 470,953 total jobs, both directly and indirectly, representing 6.5 percent of the state’s total employment.

 

 
“Right here in Bradford County, tourism invests $225 million into Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Corbett. “I encourage all Pennsylvanians to ‘stay-cation’ and explore all that our wonderful Keystone State has to offer.”

 

Following the paddle, the governor participated in an archery demonstration held by DCNR Park Manager Ken Gwin and Environmental Educator Nicole Harris from nearby Mt. Pisgah State Park. Archery field days are one of the many programs offered at state parks through “Get Outdoors PA.”

 

 
“At DCNR we work every day to protect our natural resources and ensure our visitors have a wonderful experience when they visit our parks and forests,” DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti said. “As part of our mission, we offer thousands of programs each year to engage new audiences and to create meaningful and lasting connections between the commonwealth’s citizens and its natural resources.”

 

 
Gov. Corbett was also joined today by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive John Arway, members of the PA Route 6 Alliance, local elected officials and families.
“Outdoor recreation is a thriving business in Pennsylvania and the great thing about it is that it is fun,” said Arway. “In addition, fishing and boating are easy to do, and an activity that we invite everyone to try. We hope that kayak trips like this one will encourage others to join us on the water someday soon.”

 

 
“The PA Route 6 Alliance thanks Governor Corbett and the leadership in Pennsylvania for continuing to support our efforts to preserve, enhance and promote the transportation heritage of one of the nation’s first transcontinental highways; to sustain and enhance the small rural communities linked by the highway; and to preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and scenic beauty of one of America’s favorite ‘road trips,’” said Route 6 Alliance Director Lori Copp.

 
Since 2011, the commonwealth has invested more than $2.7 billion of federal, state and local funds and low-cost loans to protect and enhance the Susquehanna River Basin. This includes technical support and grants for hundreds of projects that supported scientific research, flooding and storm water management, public access for recreation, upgrades to wastewater treatment and drinking water plants, habitat restoration, educational activities and restoration of historical sites and structures.

 
The governor has previously kayaked the Susquehanna River several times, as well as the Delaware, Allegheny, Juniata, and Conemaugh Rivers.

 

 

Source:- Visit PA

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