To estimate the total annual spending by Canadians visiting the County we begin with forty percent of the average weekly border crossings for 1996. While in December, 50% of crossings are estimated to be visitors of Clinton County, on an annual basis that estimate falls to 40%. December crossings are typically well below the monthly average.

In the 1995 retail survey analysis, only border crossings from three border posts (Champlain, Mooers, and Rouses Point) were used for the calculations. The estimation of total annual spending by Canadian visitors should include the border crossings reported at the Route 276 border post. This will provide a more accurate picture and will be included in the methodology for future replications.

Forty percent of average weekly border crossings for the four Clinton County ports of entry in 1996 is 25,585 persons per week. This figure is multiplied by the average spending per trip calculated as a weighted average from the consumer survey of $168.89 and then multiplied by 52 weeks. This gives us an estimate of 1996 total annual spending by Canadian shoppers in Clinton County.  

 Given this comprehensive calculation, the 1996 survey indicates that Canadian visitor spending equals 28% of the estimated total gross sales of all industries subject to sales tax in Clinton County in fiscal year 1996.

 Clinton County’s portion of the sales tax raised by Canadian retail spending is 3% of $224,694,633.80 or $6,740,839.01. Clinton County’s portion of estimated total sales tax revenue for fiscal 1996 is $23,866,795. The Canadian contribution is, therefore, 28% of total County sales tax revenue.