The Mackinac Bridge, a Michigan landmark and a significant draw for tourists, welcomes approximately two million visitors annually, a third of whom travel from outside the state. Recent findings from a comprehensive six-month survey shed light on the bridge's substantial economic impact on both the state and the surrounding region.
Economic Impact Highlights
The survey, presented at the annual Mackinac Bridge Authority meeting, revealed that the bridge and its highly popular Labor Day Bridge Walk contribute significantly to Michigan's economy. The key findings include:
- Statewide Output: Approximately $193 million in statewide economic output is generated by the Mackinac Bridge and the Labor Day Bridge Walk.
- Regional Benefit: A significant portion, $162 million, directly benefits the regional economy of Mackinaw, Cheboygan, and Emmett counties.
- Job Creation: The bridge supports more than 1,400 local jobs within the region.
- Labor Income: These jobs generate approximately $72 million in labor income for residents.
Visitor Spending and Economic Activity
The analysis focused on visitors who traveled more than 50 miles, crossed the bridge, and spent at least 45 minutes in either Mackinac City or St. Ignace. These visitors contribute to the economy through various expenditures, including:
- Transportation costs
- Food and beverage purchases
- Shopping and retail spending
- Recreational activities
The economic impact is calculated using various metrics, including employment figures, labor income, value added (GDP), and output. The study also estimates the tax revenue generated as a result of visitor spending related to the bridge.
Labor Day Bridge Walk Impact
The annual Labor Day Bridge Walk is a major event, attracting attendees from 34 states. Last year's event drew an estimated 32,788 participants. The survey highlighted the significant return on investment for the event:
- Return on Investment: For every $1 invested by the Mackinac Bridge Authority in organizing the Labor Day Bridge Walk, the tri-county area (Mackinac, Cheboygan, and Emmett) sees an additional $10.83 generated in output.
- Positive Business Impact: Nearly two-thirds of businesses surveyed reported that the Bridge Walk had a positive impact on their operations.
Breakdown of Economic Impact
The survey also provided a more detailed breakdown of the economic impact within the tri-county region:
- Regional Output: The bridge and its related activities contribute nearly $3 million in statewide output.
- Job Support: This output supports an average of 23 jobs annually.
- Concentrated Benefit: $2.4 million of the total output is concentrated within the Mackinac, Cheboygan, and Emmett county region.
Labor Day Bridge Walk Plans
Organizers of the upcoming Labor Day Bridge Walk have announced that there will be no major changes to the event this year. They plan to maintain the successful policies implemented in the previous year and will be adding additional time-stamped turnaround signage on the bridge to better guide walkers during the event. This will assist participants in navigating the bridge and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
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