Westlands study captures bad water year impact: lost jobs and revenue, more Valley Fever
A study from Westlands Water District lays out the difference on the local economy between when farmers have water and when they don’t. The district’s third economic impact report, which was released Wednesday, compares 2022, a year following scant rainfall and a 0% water allocation — later marginally increased — with 2019, a plentiful water year and a 75% allocation. … The study pegs $2.28 billion in direct impact from ag in Westlands in 2022. Adding the indirect impact, ag activity created $3.55 billion in total effect, leading to 27,657 jobs. That’s a 28% decline in direct economic activity and a 25% decline in total activity from 2019, when farm activity created 35,114 jobs.
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