Why Trails?
Looking Glass Falls, Brevard, NC
Why are trails important for communities?
Trails and greenways provide numerous benefits to communities, not only recreational and environmental benefits, but also significant economic development, health, and transportation benefits. Trail also help create positive community pride and identity, with financial returns that far exceed public investments.
What are the economic benefits of trails?
With a high rate of return, investments in trails contribute significantly to local economies and tourism, particularly in rural areas, by creating desirable places for people to visit, live and work. Trails also create more attractive, safer communities, increase property values and tax revenues, enhance marketability, and increase home sales or leases faster than conventional development. Every $1.00 of trail construction returns $1.72 annually from local businesses. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that for every $98,000 in transportation related construction spending, there is one short-term job created (short-term defined as lasting for one year).
An NC DOT study of a one-time $26.7 million investment in four NC shared-use paths created the following economic impacts:
$19.4 million
Estimated ANNUAL sales revenue at local businesses along the four greenways
$25.7 million
Estimated ANNUAL savings due to more physical activity, less pollution and congestions, and fewer traffic injuries from greenway use
$48.7 million
Estimated business revenue from greenway construction
790
Jobs are supported ANNUALLY through greenway construction