County leaders demand urgent economic impact study amid crisis

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant challenges facing the maritime industry, highlighting a nationwide and global decline in interest and employment. The conversation underscored the impact of COVID-19, which has led to a substantial loss of skilled maritime workers due to retirements and other factors. The lack of federal support for bringing in foreign workers was also noted as a constraint on the industry’s recovery.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the economic repercussions of reduced tourism in San Juan County. Officials revealed that a request for an economic impact study was successfully included in the governor's budget, increasing from an initial $90,000 to $140,000. This study aims to assess the broader economic implications of declining visitor numbers, particularly as local businesses struggle with cancellations and reduced foot traffic.

Concerns were raised about the perceived lack of urgency from state legislators regarding these issues, especially given that no legislators reside in the county. The county officials expressed frustration over their limited capacity to gather and analyze data on the economic impact, relying instead on anecdotal evidence from the community. The meeting highlighted the need for more robust support and resources to address these pressing challenges effectively.