To the editor,

There are important choices that area residents and the town officials who represent them need to make. Water and air quality know no boundaries.

I’d like to share some economic data from both the Pepin County Comprehensive Plan 2013-2033 and the WI Dept of Tourism Economic Impact 2024 Report.

Employment data from the Pepin Co plan:

• Ag, Forestry, Fisheries, Hunting and Mining: 11%
• Retail Trade, Arts, Entertainment, Recreation, Accommodation and Food Services: 18.4%

The employment impact of non-ag industries is higher than ag industries in Pepin County.

Wisconsin Tourism County Economic Impact in 2024:

Our neighbors just up river in Pierce County, who we share watersheds, Lake Pepin, and the Mississippi river with:

Pierce County tourism had a $65 million impact in 2024

Direct Visitor Spending was $37.7 million

Employment was 429

Labor Income was $12.4 million

State & Local taxes were $3.7 million

In total for 2024, $118.8 million in revenues to Pierce County

Pepin County tourism had a $16 million impact in 2024

Direct Visitor Spending was $9.8 million

Employment was 122

Labor Income was $2.7 million

State & Local taxes were $1 million

In total for 2024, $29.5 million in revenues to our county

Our neighbors just down river in Buffalo County, who we share watersheds, the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers with:

Buffalo County tourism had a $29 million impact in 2024

Direct Visitor Spending was $19.1 million

Employment was 223

Labor Income was $5.5 million

State & Local taxes were $1.7 million

In total for 2024, $55.3 million in revenues to Buffalo County

Protecting and preserving our natural resources and the quality of life that draws so many visitors to our area is not only a common-sense choice for townships, it is an economic choice.

Lisa St. George

Pepin