Economic Benefits
Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s previous projects have drawn visitors from all over the world, creating hundreds of millions of dollars in tourist and construction spending. Projections show that Over The River will be no different.
Photo: Wolfgang Volz, © Christo 2007
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) completed an economic analysis as part of the comprehensive Federal permitting process for Over The River. The findings confirm the project’s extensive economic benefits. The BLM estimates that Over The River will:
- Create over $121 million in total economic output within Colorado
- Bring 344,000 visitors to the area during the 14-day exhibition period
- Generate $1.58 million in state and local tax revenue throughout Colorado
- Generate $583,000 in sales tax revenue specifically in Fremont & Chaffee counties
- Create more than 620 temporary jobs
- Create $25.7 million in personal income
- Generate $57.2 million in economic output from visitor spending in Fremont, Chaffee, El Paso and Pueblo counties
As with all of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s works, Over The River is funded entirely by the artists, so all economic benefits occur without public subsidy or taxpayer support. Christo is also committed to hiring local residents and contractors as much as possible.
Over The River will showcase the beauty of the Arkansas River Valley and all of Colorado to visitors from around the world, providing long-term benefits to Coloradans. Even those who do not work in the tourism industry stand to benefit, as the increase in tourist spending circulates to other sectors of the economy. Additionally, the increase in sales tax revenue generated from Over The River may be used to finance road improvements, public park maintenance and other important local infrastructure projects.
A temporary work of art predicted to offer such a significant level of economic benefit, without requiring taxpayer support, is truly an incredible opportunity for Colorado.
Click here to download a printable fact sheet about the economic benefits related to Over The River.
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