Estimated $154 Million Spent Annually By Out-Of-State Boaters

---

ANNAPOLIS ― The Marine Trades Association of Maryland (MTAM) has released the findings of a study conducted last Summer that measured the economic impact of transient boaters in Maryland. The study estimates that out-of-state transient boaters directly spent an estimated $154 million in 2004 for fuel, slip fees, food and entertainment, etc.

The Study was a collaborative effort between MTAM, The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 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.

The 5 percent vessel excise tax paid on every vessel titled in Maryland is deposited into the Waterway Improvement Fund. It has funded over 3,000 public boating access projects valued at over $200 million. These include channel markers, dredging projects, public landings and the Clean Marina program. The Fund also supports the operations of the Natural Resources Police, the acquisition of fire and rescue boats by local jurisdictions, and other activities that support boating throughout Maryland.

---

June 17, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov