sr1245.html
06 LC 97 0772
Senate Resolution 1245
By: Senators Thompson of the 33rd and Thomas of the 2nd

A RESOLUTION

Urging the Georgia Ports Authority to continue their diligent operation and oversight of Georgia's ports, to study during the remainder of 2006 the security, procedures, and possible improvements to the operation of Georgia's ports, and to present a report before the 2007 regular session of the General Assembly; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, in light of the terrible and cowardly terrorist attacks on this country on September 11, 2001, and due to the ongoing threat to the safety of American citizens, the Senate finds it necessary that, in addition to federal homeland security actions, the State of Georgia should diligently pursue the security of its citizens, their property and possessions, and the assets of this state; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia ports in Savannah, Brunswick, and Columbus are among the state's most important assets, providing more than 70,000 jobs and having a financial impact of over $8 billion each year; and

WHEREAS, the governance of these ports is overseen by the very capable, dedicated, and competent Georgia Ports Authority; and

WHEREAS, because of the complexity and mass of the ports' assets and their perceived vulnerability by those that would seek to harm our nation and our state, it is vital to the safety of Georgia to remain especially vigilant in securing these ports.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body urge the executive director and the members of the Georgia Ports Authority to continue their diligent operations and oversight of Georgia's ports and to study during the remainder of 2006 the security, procedures, and possible improvements to the operation of Georgia's ports.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Georgia Ports Authority is urged to present a report, either written or verbal, of its findings from this study to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the commander of the Georgia State Patrol, and the director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, either individually or collectively, prior to the 2007 regular session of the General Assembly.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Mr. Doug J. Marchland, executive director of the Georgia Ports Authority.