Calhoun County, AL – The Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Jacksonville State University’s College of Business and Industry has recently completed an Economic Impact Analysis of the Calhoun Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Fixed Transit Route Service, shedding light on its profound impact on the community. For those that may not know, this study was done on Anniston’s current public transportation system housed out of the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC).
The report underscores the critical role transportation plays in the local economy. Even seemingly small adjustments in transportation routes can ripple through our economy, influencing employment rates, population growth, and GDP.
Here are some key takeaways from the report:
Impact on Economic Dynamics: The analysis reveals how transportation intricately impacts our economic prosperity, emphasizing the potential for strategic investments in transportation infrastructure to spark positive changes within our region.
Anticipated Growth: Across various simulations, consistent trends emerge—expect increases in employment, population, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This highlights the transformative power of an efficient transportation network.
Active Workforce: One fascinating finding is the initial percentage increases in labor force participation rates compared to baseline forecasts. This suggests that improved transportation not only drives economic growth but also fosters a more engaged workforce.
The City of Anniston shared that they are, “Thrilled to see how investments in our transit system can pave the way for a brighter, more connected future for Calhoun County. Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards a stronger, more vibrant community together!”
You may read the full report at this link: http://tinyurl.com/2p766d87
To review more economic studies, visit Anniston’s Economic Development webpage here: www.annistonal.gov/economic-development.
