Project Awaysis Impact Study

Impact Study

In 2003, a survey was done by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development of lake visitors. This information provided a starting point for the Impact study. It not only offered information on visitor spending and activities while in Storm Lake, but also information on how their spending and habits may change if the lake water quality was improved and other amenities were added.
The following are some of the major findings from the study:

Aggregate spending of the lake visitors was $22.8 million

Survey respondents indicated that there would be a 55% increase in summer lake visitations if the water quality was improved and amenities, including a lodge, were added.

Assumed increase in winter visitation rates is one half of the summer increase (27.5%)

Based on the increased visitation rates, direct tourism spending is projected to increase by $12.6 million in the summer and $6.3 million in the winter for a total increase in direct spending of $18.9 million

An overall increase of $28.4 million in total new sales is projected

An increase of $10.7 million in new net income is projected

New spending is expected to support about 27 new businesses, based on state averages for retail sales per establishment

An increase of 690 new jobs (490 full time equivalents) is projected

An increase of $17.9 million in new taxable sales is projected, after deducting non-taxable sales from total sales estimates

New sales would generate an additional $245,000 in hotel/motel tax revenue

New sales would generate about $144,000 in new local option sales tax revenue (43% of which goes to Storm Lake, 57% goes to the County and other communities)

New SILO tax revenues for the county school districts of $144,000 (approximately one-half of that amount for Storm Lake) are projected

New state tax receipts of $856,000 would be generated

An increase of $3.5 million spent on lodging is projected. A new 80-room lodge is expected to generate about $1.6 million in revenue, suggesting another $1.9 million for existing hotels.

The fact that the study is based upon actual survey responses from visitors to Storm Lake gives the study a high degree of validity. Sales and revenue increases as projected will have a dramatic and lasting effect on the economies of Storm Lake and Buena Vista County; no single project in memory has had the potential to have this large of an impact. The study supports the City’s basic premise that economic activity will be enhanced dramatically by the development of Project AWAYSIS.

If you would like to view the entire study you may download it here

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Impact Study In 2003, a survey was done by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development of lake visitors. This information provided a starting point for the Impact study. It not only offered information on visitor spending and activities while in Storm Lake, but also information on how their spending and habits may change if the lake water quality was improved and other amenities were added. The following are some of the major findings from the study: Aggregate spending of the lake visitors was $22.8 million Survey respondents indicated that there would be a 55% increase in summer lake visitations if the water quality was improved and amenities, including a lodge, were added. Assumed increase in winter visitation rates is one half of the summer increase (27.5%) Based on the increased visitation rates, direct tourism spending is projected to increase by $12.6 million in the summer and $6.3 million in the winter for a total increase in direct spending of $18.9 million An overall increase of $28.4 million in total new sales is projected An increase of $10.7 million in new net income is projected New spending is expected to support about 27 new businesses, based on state averages for retail sales per establishment An increase of 690 new jobs (490 full time equivalents) is projected An increase of $17.9 million in new taxable sales is projected, after deducting non-taxable sales from total sales estimates New sales would generate an additional $245,000 in hotel/motel tax revenue New sales would generate about $144,000 in new local option sales tax revenue (43% of which goes to Storm Lake, 57% goes to the County and other communities) New SILO tax revenues for the county school districts of $144,000 (approximately one-half of that amount for Storm Lake) are projected New state tax receipts of $856,000 would be generated An increase of $3.5 million spent on lodging is projected. A new 80-room lodge is expected to generate about $1.6 million in revenue, suggesting another $1.9 million for existing hotels. The fact that the study is based upon actual survey responses from visitors to Storm Lake gives the study a high degree of validity. Sales and revenue increases as projected will have a dramatic and lasting effect on the economies of Storm Lake and Buena Vista County; no single project in memory has had the potential to have this large of an impact. The study supports the City’s basic premise that economic activity will be enhanced dramatically by the development of Project AWAYSIS. If you would like to view the entire study you may download it here
The Project \| Project Journal \| Photos \| News \| FAQ \| Donations \| History \| Links \| Contact \| Home