Bill Text: GA HR550 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Savannah, City of; consider issuing bonds to support cruise ship terminal; urge

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-03-14 - House Second Readers [HR550 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HR550-Introduced.html

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11 LC 94 4512

House Resolution 550

By: Representatives Gordon of the 162nd, Stephens of the 161st, Bryant of the 160th, Stephens of the 164th, Watson of the 163rd, and others

A RESOLUTION

Urging the City of Savannah to consider issuing bonds to support the development, construction, and implementation of a cruise ship terminal facility in the Savannah Harbor; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, tourism is Savannah's major industry, with 6.33 million visitors last year who spent $1.9 billion and supported 22,000 jobs; and

WHEREAS, this industry could grow exponentially if the city were to capture a portion of the nation's $38 billion cruise ship industry; and

WHEREAS, 13.2 million passengers cruised in 2008, a five percent increase over 2007, and demand continues to exceed the supply for cruise ship facilities; and

WHEREAS, 35 new cruise ships are scheduled to be delivered between 2009 and 2012, with a total of 69,200 new births; and

WHEREAS, of the top four cruise destinations, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, Savannah is positioned to serve all but Alaska, and a Savannah based cruise line would serve 85 percent of the most appealing destinations; and

WHEREAS, the cruise industry has established 30 North American embarkation ports within a driving distance for 75 percent of their cruise passengers; and

WHEREAS, the industry capacity utilization rate for 2008 was 104 percent, and despite the economic downturn in 2009, the cruise industry continues to grow with 13.4 million guests sailing last year and 14.3 million guests projected to sail by the end of this year; and

WHEREAS, embarkation ports in North America are becoming crowded, and Miami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral are running out of land for expansion while existing faculties are fully utilized; and

WHEREAS, the cruise industry has determined that 40 percent of leisure travelers in America are interested in taking a cruise during the next two years, and that number rises to 46 percent among leisure travelers who are interested in visiting Georgia, which shows a robust market that is destined to grow in the years ahead; and

WHEREAS, cruises still retain greatest appeal among older travelers, and this profile is consistent with the profile of adults who are interested in visiting Savannah, particularly since it is the nation's largest urban historic landmark district, showcasing azaleas, live oak trees, cobblestone streets, and nationally renowned squares; and

WHEREAS, there is no embarkation port located geographically in Georgia and while Jacksonville is Savannah's closest competitor to the South, it does not offer a nationally recognized historic district, which is most appealing to passengers seeking day excursions; and

WHEREAS, the Interstate 16 transportation corridor provides easy access to travelers, particularly those from the metropolitan Atlanta and North Georgia areas desiring to embark from a convenient cruise port location in Savannah, thus saving money and travel time and avoiding expensive air fares; and

WHEREAS, preliminary estimates indicate that a home cruise ship port in Savannah could create an industry of up to $100 million a year, with a potential of hundreds of new sustainable jobs and resulting in an economic development potential for Georgia of over $1 billion during the next decade; and

WHEREAS, making Savannah Georgia's cruise port could generate millions of dollars in new state taxes, thus keeping these resources in Georgia versus other neighboring states.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body strongly support efforts to make Savannah the first cruise ship port in Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body urge the City of Savannah to consider issuing bonds in order to develop a cruise ship terminal in the Savannah Harbor that will provide new jobs and enhance the overall economic development of Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the mayor of Savannah.