WRD Environmental News & Events
Clean Chicago River Can be Multibillion Dollar Economic Engine for Chicago Region
Friends of the Chicago River and Openlands recently released “Our Liquid Asset: The Economic Benefits of a Clean Chicago River,” a study that underscores the economic value of continued investment in improving the Chicago River.
Sponsored by WRD, the report found that investment in the river can create 52,400 construction jobs and more than 800 permanent jobs. Each dollar invested provides a 70 percent return through business revenue, tax revenue and income.
“A natural resource like the Chicago River is often viewed as something to spend money on, rather than something that provides a financial return,” said Lenore Beyer-Clow, policy director at Openlands. “But this study demonstrates that the river can provide jobs in addition to recreational opportunities.”
Read a summary of the report …
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The Fish Hotel, designed by WRD, is an example of investment in the Chicago river that helps drive economic development.
