Requesting the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives to provide for a joint interim legislative study regarding the development and potential economic impact of the cruise industry on the Texas coast between Calhoun and Cameron Counties.
Impact
The potential establishment of a cruise industry outlet in the area posited by the bill could significantly boost local economies by creating new job opportunities and stimulating regional tourism. The legislature underscores the urgent need for Texas to remain competitive with states like Florida and California, which currently dominate the North American cruise market with multiple operational ports. By facilitating legislative study, HCR173 aims to unlock economic benefits that a new cruise port could bring to Texas, potentially enhancing the state's tourism profile and job market.
Summary
HCR173 is a concurrent resolution proposed in the Texas Legislature that aims to study the development and economic impact of the cruise industry along the Texas coast, specifically between Calhoun and Cameron Counties. The resolution highlights the significant economic contributions of existing cruise operations in Galveston and Houston, noting that in 2007, these locations accounted for approximately 680,000 passenger and crew visits, resulting in $1.07 billion in direct spending and supporting over 18,500 jobs in Texas. The bill advocates for the exploration of similar opportunities in the specified coastal region, which boasts several growing cities and critical tourism potential.
Contention
There may be varied opinions on the feasibility and implications of developing a cruise industry on the Texas coast. Supporters of HCR173 argue that expanding cruise services will bring an economic boon to the state, while critics may express concerns regarding environmental impacts, local tourism saturation, and the allocation of state resources. Moreover, the legislative request for a joint study reflects an acknowledgment of the detailed analysis required to proceed with such a significant initiative in the region.
Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study the construction of a second vehicular causeway connecting Padre Island to the mainland.
Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study motorcycle operator profiling by law enforcement officers.
Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.
Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.
Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.
Requesting that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study issuance of credit against required recapture payments for Gulf Coast county school districts with excess facilities costs.