The economic analysis proceeds from the assumption that one of two resort scenarios will be developed in the area: (1) a smaller-scale resort on private land, or (2) a destination Resort that covers the private land as well as entitlements to recreational use on adjacent public land. The destination Resort would have more visitor amenities, including hotel rooms, eating establishments, chairlifts and rental units.
Thus, instead of measuring the difference in local economic impacts between the destination Resort and the status quo, this report estimates the difference between the small-scale resort and the destination Resort. Local economic impacts of the small-scale and destination Resort are measured at two single points in time in the future: 10 and 20 years after operation begins. Local impacts are defined as those economic factors that affect Missoula and Ravalli Counties and are important to local residents, such as job creation, tourism effects, and government revenue and infrastructure impacts.
Full Report: http://www.maedc.org/Uploads/Final%20Draft%20Bitterroot%20Resort%20Economic%20Impact%20Study.pdf
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Bitterroot Resort / Study offers two views of Maclay's proposal
By CHELSI MOY of the Missoulian
Jean Bowman of Missoula expected to leave Thursday's meeting angry.
She had come to hear economists explain the results of an economic impact study on developer Tom Maclay's proposed Bitterroot Resort.
Joining her were about 60 interested citizens, local politicians and business owners, who packed a conference room at the Montana Technology Enterprise Center.
But Bowman didn't go home mad.
Full Story: http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2007/11/09/news/local/news04.txt