NORFOLK, Va. — A new study shows the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) boosts Norfolk’s local economy by $18.7 million each year.
The 10.5 mile trail located in the heart of Downtown Norfolk runs through businesses, historic attractions, and more than 2 dozen neighborhoods. It offers views of the Elizabeth River to the 624,000 people estimated to use the trail every year.
The study, conducted by contractor Mangum Economics, divided the trail’s local impact into three categories: economic contribution, indirect and induced effects, and total impact — which includes employment, labor income and economic output…