PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland could unlock significant economic and community benefits by investing more heavily in recreation and amenities along the Willamette River, according to a new study released by the Portland Metro Chamber and Human Access Project.
The report, produced by consulting firm ECOnorthwest in partnership with 14 public, private and nonprofit organizations, found that recreation in and around the Willamette River generates an estimated $121 million annually in visitor spending and an additional $190 million in non-market recreational value.
Researchers examined how the river currently contributes to Portland’s economy, what opportunities may be untapped, and how the city compares with peer waterfront cities across North America…