Twilight Saving Forks From Economic Downturns

According to the Puget Sound Business Journal:

““Twilight” tourism is widely credited for shielding Forks merchants from the recession, and state sales-tax data support that view.

Taxable retail sales statewide fell 15 percent to $100.8 billion between 2007 and 2009, according to data gathered by the state Department of Revenue. We have the recession to thank for that.

But in the city of Forks, taxable retail sales during the same period increased 15 percent to $46.2 million. In fact, Forks’ taxable retail sales in 2009 are the city’s highest in the Department of Revenue’s online database, which goes back to 1994. We probably have “Twilight” to thank for that.”

Much of this money is going to much needed renovation. The oldest portion of Forks High School that was built back in the 1920’s and which has been a complete nightmare to heat efficiently is now being torn down and a new building (where kids won’t have to wear coats in the winter) will be erected.