SR-21, As Adopted by Senate, March 7, 2013

            Senator Hansen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 21.

            A resolution to urge the Great Lakes governors to develop an agreement to coordinate the promotion and maintenance of ports and harbors.

            Whereas, Great Lakes commercial and recreational ports and harbors form an interconnected system of commerce and tourism linking the Great Lakes states together and with the rest of the world; and

            Whereas, These ports and harbors help support a robust shipping and recreational boating industry. U.S. Great Lakes shipping supports more than 128,000 jobs and generates annually $9.6 billion in personal income and $18.1 billion in business revenue. U.S. recreational boating supports around 60,000 jobs and generates annually $1.8 billion in personal income and $7.6 billion in sales and other economic impacts; and

            Whereas, Current low water levels throughout the region threaten the economic vitality of the shipping and recreational boating industries. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are at historically low water levels. In addition, the other Great Lakes remain below their long-term average levels. Without increased dredging, low water levels force ships to carry less cargo and make more trips and result in many Great Lakes harbors being inaccessible to recreational boats; and

            Whereas, The current need for dredging during this period of extreme low water levels presents an opportunity for increased collaboration among the Great Lakes states. The states share a common interest in promoting and maintaining our ports and harbors. Increased coordination of these efforts could lead to increased business opportunities and economic development to the benefit of the entire Great Lakes region; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Great Lakes governors to develop an agreement to coordinate the promotion and maintenance of ports and harbors; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Council of Great Lakes Governors.