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Study: Proposed Jail Near Palm Springs Could Impact Tourism

PALM SPRINGS (AP) — A study shows a proposed 7,200-bed jail near Palm Springs could cost the Coachella Valley tourism industry $91 million.

The Riverside County Regional Detention Center would be constructed on 200 acres along Interstate 10 in the Whitewater area just north of Palm Springs.

The Palm Springs Desert Sun says the study by San Francisco State University economist Philip King concludes jails in rural areas have a significant negative impact on economic development despite rosy predictions of increased spending by jail visitors.

The Palm Springs City Council decided Wednesday unanimously to forward the study as its response to a revised draft environmental impact report on the jail proposal.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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