07-07-2004 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • Bayport Expansion Review Committee -July 7, 2004 -Page 2 Bayport is still working on a design for the first cruise ship. All cruise lines will be building larger vessels and bringing them to the Houston site. The cruise line would like to bring the ship in the next couple of years. It will take the Port of Houston approximately three years to build the birth. Chairperson Engelken questioned if this would change the depth? Mr. Kornegay assured Mr. Engelken that cruise ships do not draw a lot of water. Councilmember Griffiths questioned how the market is in Galveston? Mr. Kornegay informed him Galveston is doing well with three ships. If the Port of Houston had a lazger birth, they would not have gone to Galveston. Mr. Engelken questioned the pending appeal to the 5~' Circuit Court in New Orleans, what will happen. Mr. Komegay responded that if there is a bad ruling from the 5~` Circuit Court, it will cause problems. Their attorneys have advised them to move forwazd with an excellent chance of the courts deciding not to heaz the appeal. If they decide to heaz the appeal it would more than likely be in front of a panel of three Judges. The Port's past experience has been that each side has approximately 20 minutes to present their case. A letter is mailed with the court's decision. The Port has no stay order; so they are continuing to move forwazd. The case will not be final until the final appeal has been decided on. Mr. Kornegay informed the Committee that Los Angeles and the West Coast had the corner on the market. Due to slow downs and walk-outs on steamships merchandise is being sent to other areas. The Wal-Mart Distribution Center neaz Baytown was built neaz the Baytown azea due to its close proximity to the Port. Mr. Kornegay is in contact with a bazge service company so the Port can get containers off-site in 241iours, which will help in capacity issues. Mr. Griffiths questioned if the county is going~to provide landscaping. If so, will it be palm trees. Mr. Kornegay thinks it will be palm trees. John Joerns indicated the project is on hold and delayed. Mr. Kornegay is not sure for the reason of the delay. Mr. Griffiths questioned how we can expedite the situation. Mr: Komegay suggested contacting or sending letters to our Commissioners. Mr. Engelken questioned if the project is funded? Mr. Kornegay stated the County could provide a schedule of the project. Mr. Beasley suggested following up with the County. Mr. Griffiths asked about beautification for Highway 146? Who would do the beautification? The City of La Porte? Bayport? Texas Department of Transportation? Mr. Kornegay informed Mr. Griffiths that they will put the beautification request on their list and work on this project.