World Birding Center-Edinburg: An application to the Meadows Foundation

Authors

Wendy Smith Sturgis, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Dr. Jose R. Hinojosa

Second Advisor

Dr. Gary Tschoepe

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert Wrinkle

Abstract

The World Birding Center is a unique and innovative partnership among Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the cities of Brownsville, Mission, Weslaco, Harlingen, Edinburg, McAllen, Hidalgo, Roma, Rio Hondo and South Padre Island. The WBC is a first of its kind regional approach to nature conservation and birdwatching.

Edinburg's portion of the budget is 8.75%, and the City will fund salaries for a director and education coordinator and operations specific to the Edinburg center through the City's general fund.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department estimates 175,000 visitors annually. Direct local expenditures (based on an average visit of 6.3 days, with $89 per person, per day expenditures) will be $98,122,500. This translates into $2,943,675 in tax revenues and 1,645 new jobs (TPWD, 1999). In 1999 the World Birding Center Project Office commissioned a study through the Center For Tourism Research at the University of Texas-Pan American. Nearly 2,000 residents were asked about their interest in a World Birding Center-type attraction and their willingness to pay for such an attraction.

Comments

Copyright 2000 Wendy Smith Sturgis. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/world-birding-center-edinburg-application-meadows/docview/230627171/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American