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Study Finds RDU’s Economic Impact is $12.6B |
A recent study conducted on behalf of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority estimates the total economic impact of RDU on the region’s economy to be $12.6 billion annually. The Center for Transportation Policy Studies at UNC-Charlotte conducted the study for the Authority. The study analyzed the airport’s direct and indirect contributions to the 13-county Research Triangle Region.
The collected data documented that the airport’s total impact on regional employment involves an estimated 47,760 jobs with payrolls of $2.5 billion. The total $12.6 billion economic output includes both direct and indirect impacts. Direct impacts consist of revenue from airlines, airport shops and restaurants and cargo. Indirect impacts include regional employers and segments of the travel industry, such as hotels and travel agencies.
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The Triangle Icon is a joint project of
the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority,
Durham and Wake Counties and the
cities of Durham and Raleigh and was installed in 2002. |
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To develop the estimate, surveys were conducted of RDU businesses, airport contractors, airline passengers, corporate and general aviation operators, a representative sample of hotels and travel agencies in the region and regional employers with more than 100 employees.
The study’s methodology followed a model outlined in the 1992 Federal Aviation Administration’s Guidance Document entitled Estimating the Regional Economic Significance of Airports. The UNC-Charlotte Center for Transportation Policy Studies applied this method to determine RDU’s economic impact. |
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Brings New Requirements for Travelers |
Next year, the federal government will begin implementing its Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The goal of WHTI is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. The program provides standardized, secure and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably and accurately identify a traveler.
There are two phases under WHTI:
Phase one takes affect on January 8, 2007. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
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In 2007, anyone flying outside
the U.S. in the Western Hemisphere
will need a passport. |
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Anyone flying outside the United States will need a passport by January 8, 2007. Travelers flying to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean can no longer use a photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Exceptions to this rule are travelers flying to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Phase two may begin as early as January 1, 2008. In the second phase of WHTI all persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible.
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Marketing Communications Department,
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
P.O. Box 80001, RDU Airport, NC 27623
www.rdu.com (919)
840-7700 / (919) 840-0175 fax
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