S*1453 Concurrent Resolution, By Grooms, McConnell and Leatherman
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO EXPRESS THE APPRECIATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
 FOR CARNIVAL'S COMMITMENT TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE PORT OF CHARLESTON AND TO
 DECLARE MAY 18, 2010, AS "CARNIVAL DAY" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

   05/18/10  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-9
   05/18/10  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-62

TO EXPRESS THE APPRECIATION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR CARNIVAL'S COMMITMENT TO SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE PORT OF CHARLESTON AND TO DECLARE MAY 18, 2010, AS "CARNIVAL DAY" IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, Carnival Corporation is a global cruise company and one of the largest vacation companies in the world, including eleven of the most recognized cruise brands in North America, Europe, and Australia; and

Whereas, with today's arrival of the Carnival Fantasy, South Carolina now has year-round cruising options for the first time ever from the Port of Charleston; and

Whereas, year-round cruising from Charleston offers South Carolinians a convenient opportunity to vacation and sail direct from our coast, while also introducing many travelers to our State for the first time; and

Whereas, the cruise industry generates significant economic impact as guests travel to and through our State and provides much needed work and diversity for the port and laborers, generating a local economic impact of $37 million according to a recent study; and

Whereas, South Carolina has hosted cruise ships since 1973 and this activity is in keeping with the Ports Authority's statewide economic development mission and its legislated mandate; and

Whereas, the Ports Authority is currently pursuing improvements to South Carolina's cruise terminal infrastructure, meeting both new security and market demands and allowing the State to more effectively handle this important business; and

Whereas, the initial concept plan for the new cruise terminal and the Union Pier redevelopment was developed with considerable public input and offers significant public benefits. Now, therefore,

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

That the South Carolina General Assembly expresses its appreciation for Carnival's commitment to South Carolina and the Port of Charleston and declares May 18, 2010, as "Carnival Day" in the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Port of Charleston.