Study: Economic impact of national parks in SC $103M

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A new study estimates that South Carolina six national parks and historic sites mean about $103 million to the state's economy.

The report released Thursday found 1.5 million people visited National Park Service sites in the state last year and spent more than $80 million within 60 miles of those sites. The study finds that spending generated almost 1,300 jobs.

The peer-reviewed study was prepared by economists for the U.S. Geological Survey.

South Carolina's National Park Service sites include the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site in Mount Pleasant, Congaree National Park, Cowpens National Battlefield, Fort Sumter National Monument, Kings Mountain National Military Park and the Ninety Six National Historic Site.

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