KION - Santa Cruz County Economy Receives $720,000,000

06/12/09

Santa Cruz County Economy Receives $720,000,000

Posted: June 12, 2009 01:00 PM

SANTA CRUZ,Calif- Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks today announced visitors to Santa Cruz County's state parks and beaches invested an estimated $720,037,980 in the county's economy between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008.

"State parks and beaches are a key driver for our local economy," said Bonny Hawley, executive director for Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. "As our community struggles to pull out of this deep recession, protecting our tourism-based economy has never been more important."

This news comes on the heels of a proposal by Governor Schwarzenegger to close 220 of California's state parks.

Buoyed by support from businesses and entities such as the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce and the Felton Business Association, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has launched an effort to gain support for area businesses in hopes of keeping the parks open.

Business owners can sign the letter and send it the Governor in an effort to show the importance that the parks have on the local economies.