Factors Influencing the Willingness to Pay for Coastal Beach Protection

Abstract

Abstract This study examines coastal beach visitors ' willingness to pay for a beach erosion control program. A Tobit model was developed utilizing survey data obtained from recreational beach users at Maine and New Hampshire beaches. The number of years visiting a particular beach, income level, familiarity with beach protective laws, respondents' state of residence, and the presence of sand dunes were found to be statistically significant in influencing a beach users' willingness to pay for coastal beach protection. The implications of these findings for beach erosion control programs are discussed. Keywords: beach erosionbeach protectioncontingent valuation