S 0537 Concurrent Resolution, By Richardson
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO REQUEST THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA PORTS AUTHORITY
 COOPERATE WITH THE GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY BY SHARING INFORMATION REGARDING
 PROPOSED PORT OPERATIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SAVANNAH RIVER, AND CONDUCT A
 JOINT STUDY WITH THE GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE THE ADVANTAGES AND
 DISADVANTAGES OF COORDINATING PORT ACTIVITIES ALONG THE SAVANNAH RIVER.

   02/24/05  Senate Introduced SJ-7
   02/24/05  Senate Referred to Committee on Transportation SJ-7

TO REQUEST THAT THE SOUTH CAROLINA PORTS AUTHORITY COOPERATE WITH THE GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY BY SHARING INFORMATION REGARDING PROPOSED PORT OPERATIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SAVANNAH RIVER, AND CONDUCT A JOINT STUDY WITH THE GEORGIA PORTS AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COORDINATING PORT ACTIVITIES ALONG THE SAVANNAH RIVER.

Whereas, the Savannah River is formed by the confluence of the Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers, and flows southeast to the Atlantic Ocean; and

Whereas, the Savannah River defines a portion of the border between the State of South Carolina and the State of Georgia; and

Whereas, Jasper County, South Carolina, borders the Savannah River on the north; and

Whereas, both the State of South Carolina and the State of Georgia have established port authorities to govern exclusively all port related activities in their states; and

Whereas, competition for shipping business has been a long accepted tradition between the Port of Savannah, the Port of Charleston, and other ports on the east coast of the United States; and

Whereas, both states are intent on supporting the future development of their respective ports; and

Whereas, both the State of South Carolina and the State of Georgia are dependent on the economic benefits derived from the activities of each respective port authority; and

Whereas, a recent study shows international trade through the South Atlantic will rise 4.9% a year over the next two decades, more than the United States and North Atlantic averages; and

Whereas, the ever increasing size of ships is requiring both ports to continually invest in water and landside infrastructure to service these new vessels; and

Whereas, there may be certain benefits to be realized by both states sharing information regarding a proposed port operation on both the north and south sides of the Savannah River; and

Whereas, it is in the best interest of both states to cooperate with each other's economic activities along their common border. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the South Carolina Ports Authority is requested to cooperate with the Georgia Ports Authority by sharing, to the maximum possible extent, information bilaterally regarding proposed port operations on both the north and south sides of the Savannah

River.

Be it further resolved that the South Carolina Ports Authority is requested to study with the Georgia Ports Authority the advantages and disadvantages of coordinating port activities along the Savannah River.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Ports Authority.