Posted: Monday, February 4, 2008 12:00 am
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - Researchers at the University of Wyoming intend to study the effect of immigrants on the economy in Teton County.
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service plan to conduct the study. The Teton County Board of Commissioners and Town of Jackson requested the study.
Mary Martin, UW educator in Jackson, said the study will examine the economic impact of foreign workers.
Martin said the study is intended to provide a better understanding of how immigrant spending effects the community, and how and where immigrants spend and contribute.
Martin said the study will also address, "the impact on local businesses, and the associated benefits and costs to government."
County Commissioner Leland Christensen of Alta said the survey will provide a snapshot of the community.
"We will use it for planning and perspective," Christensen said. "It plays into planning, to see where the dollars are going and where the needs are."
Jackson has seen an increase in its immigrant work force over the past 15 years. Immigrants have come from Central and South America, New Zealand, Europe and Canada.
"There are costs and benefits associated with it," Christensen said. "We are trying to get a clear understanding of what those are."
Jackson town Councilor Melissa Turley said getting more information about the immigrant population will allow the town and the county to make better plans to meet the needs for social services and infrastructure.
"I also think it will help our community members value one another's contributions and to all get involved in the community and live together," Turley said.