Study: Kitty Hawk's economic impact $18 million a year

Break out the rose-colored glasses... UWF study paints a rosy picture.

Yeah, right.

From the PNJ...

The proposed acquisition of the USS Kitty Hawk as a downtown Pensacola tourist attraction could lead to an economic impact of up to $18 million a year, according to a new study by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center.

A preliminary draft of the study states, “The USS Kitty Hawk has the potential to become an intergral part of the Pensacola experience, bringing an additional attraction to the region along with the attendant visitors.

Data compiled by the study estimated the annual total economic impact of the aircraft carrier in the range of $8 million a year to a bit more than $18 million.

However, the study also estimated that refurbishment of the ship could cost $21 million, so it would take several years to recope the original investment.

Yet the Kitty Hawk would general “substantial local venues for local hoteliers, restaurateurs and the broader Escambia econonomy.

They could also have other uses for it ie; entertainment in the hanger deck at night, fireworks on 4th of July, or many other things. Use the hanger deck for Christmas parties for local businesses or different military organizations. Imagine the different squadrons having graduations or Christmas parties on the flight or hanger deck depending on the weather. Graduation from local schools could be on the flight deck instead of in the "civic center"..

Like I said before, the Port Royal folks and Stooder will scream bloody murder if it is put at the CMP, blocking their view. I doubt the Navy would want it tying up Allegheny Pier.

The slip between the port and Palafox seems to be the best option, but it is surely going to fill that slip, limiting ship access to the port.