The September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance (The Alliance), the entity missioned to drive trail development forward in collaboration with governments, federal agencies, and fellow trail organizations, commissioned Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) to quantify the statewide economic, fiscal and societal impacts of the September 11th National Memorial Trail in Pennsylvania. Across the southern half of the state, the network spans more than 1,130 miles across 27 counties and integrates existing multi-use trails with proposed on-road segments. The analysis was designed to support funding, policy, and implementation decisions by quantifying the return on investment of both historic and future alignment of the Trail system.
ESI’s analysis combined primary data from the Alliance with secondary data from federal and state sources. The study assessed both historic and future capital investments, estimated construction-related economic impacts, and modeled ongoing impacts from trail user spending. Public health benefits were quantified using U.S. Census data, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention physical activity guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and trail user survey data. The analysis also examined transportation, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits associated with expanded trail access.
Key findings include:
- Full buildout of the Trail represents approximately $1.3 billion in capital investment, generating $2.5 billion in one-time economic impact and supporting 12,000 jobs statewide during construction
- The Trail is projected to support more than eight million annual users, generating $2.0 billion in recurring annual economic impact and nearly 19,600 jobs
- The Trail is expected to support approximately 77,900 active residents and deliver an estimated $102.6 million in annual healthcare cost savings
The study’s findings provide clear, data-driven justification for continued investment in trail completion, signage, and infrastructure, supporting grant applications, interagency coordination, and long-term planning efforts tied to the Trail’s commemorative mission.