Waterway economy - MemberForum - Letter to the Editor

I note in the article "Creating a Coastal Constituency" in the November 2003 issue the statement "Recreational vessel traffic and boater spending is not counted ... Neither is the commercial fishing, tour boat operation, ferry traffic, charter fishing or cruise ship activity." In other words, one of the nation's largest industries, tourism, is ignored in considering the justification for waterways. The same is true for inland waterways.

How did this come about? When is government going to figure out that all of these activities and their support mean more jobs and economic activity than other uses of the waterways.

This isn't shooting oneself in the foot. Allowing this nonsense is cutting off all your limbs before a fight.

David G. Barber

Hopedale, MA

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