Boaters generate big income for Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Marine Trades Association of Maryland has released the findings of a study that indicates out-of-state transient boaters directly spent an estimated $154 million in the state in 2004 for fuel, slip fees, food, entertainment, etc., the MTAM said in a recent release.
The study was conducted last summer to measure the economic impact of transient boaters in Maryland, and was a collaborative effort between MTAM, The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program.
“This study is just the first step in measuring the economic impact transient boaters have in the state,” said Ted Ruegg, president of MTAM. “Based on this data, we will begin to explore options to expand Maryland’s $2.1 billion boating industry.”
Options under consideration include educating transient boaters about the benefits of establishing Maryland as their homeport, encouraging boaters to have refits or
repairs done in Maryland, as well as a review of existing Maryland boating laws.
“Given the importance of the boating industry to Maryland, we will be working with MTAM and others to look at new ways to grow this valuable industry while continuing to provide the same level of outstanding services that Maryland boaters have come to expect,” said DNR Secretary C. Ronald Franks.
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