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Rafting generated $162M for state in 2015

Posted at 7:10 AM, May 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-13 13:06:49-04

A new report shows that commercial rafting remained a strong economic driver in Colorado last year, generating a new record of $162.6 million for the state.

The Denver Post reports the Colorado River Outfitters Association says there were nearly 509,000 commercial raft trips on 29 stretches of Colorado rivers in 2015. The economic impact of those trips beat the state's previous record from 2014.

According to the report, the Arkansas River from above Buena Vista through Salida to Cañon City remained the state's top rafting spot. The Animas River saw a drop in rafters largely due to the Gold King mine spill in August.

Outfitters are preparing for another successful season this year, with help from a snowy April and cool weather that's keeping the snow from melting too early.