Department of the Interior activities contributed $2.86 billion to Carolina’s economy in 2011 and supported 24,221 jobs in fields ranging from energy and mineral development to tourism and outdoor recreation, according to a new report released July 10.
Nationwide, the activities of the Department of the Interior contributed $385 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 2 million jobs in 2011.
“The Interior Department has a uniquely diverse mission that benefits the American people by promoting tourism, outdoor recreation, energy development and other economic activities that fuel local economies in North Carolina,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “This report underscores that there are real, lasting impacts on communities and small businesses across the country where Interior is helping to strengthen economies and support families.”
In North Carolina, over 19 million visitors to National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges and other Interior lands supported 12,176 jobs, while energy and mineral development supported 11,200 jobs. With over 3 million visitors, North Carolina’s coastal parks alone supported 2,467 jobs.