Orange County NC Website
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ECONOMIC VITALITY <br /> Trails contribute directly to the local economy by <br /> supporting small businesses, attracting spending, <br /> and creating jobs. In North Carolina, outdoor Benefits Glance <br /> recreation generated $16.2 billion in value and <br /> supported more than 145,000jobs in 2023.1 Local Impr• - <br /> s health <br /> studies have shown that completing missing links wellbeing in trail systems can significantly increase use C23 and by <br /> and visitor spending-in the case of the American expanding <br /> Tobacco Trail, connecting the corridor via a bridge accessible places <br /> led to a 133% increase in annual trail use and to • - active <br /> $3.7 million in new local spending.'A connected <br /> network in Orange County positions local <br /> businesses to benefit from similar activity. 0 Offers <br /> LOCAL TOURISM L�� cost, multi-modal <br /> V transportation <br /> By connecting visitors to parks, preserves, towns, <br /> and cultural destinations, trails can enhance the for residents <br /> tourist experience in Orange County. In 2024, across rural and <br /> visitors spent $280.04 million locally, supporting town <br /> approximately 2,039 jobs and generating <br /> $19.25 million in state and local tax revenue.' <br /> Strengthening the county's trail system can help Connects people <br /> reinforce Orange County's appeal as a place to <br /> visit and explore outdoor amenities year-round. with nature <br /> while protecting <br /> sensitive <br /> ecosystems <br /> © Supports local <br /> economythrough <br /> 00H increased trail <br /> use and visitor <br /> spending <br /> DO!J <br /> county tax base <br /> AWL Strengthens the <br /> through tourism <br /> d outdoor <br /> recreation <br /> Draft Orange County Trails Plan 11 <br />