The Economics Working Group met on February 20, 2001 at the ACOE building. Attending were John Snedeker, Will Berson, Morgan Rees, Tom Wright, Pete Simons, Larry Keegan, guests Robert (Bob) Davis and Steve Dekrone of Port Data Systems, and this writer.

It was agreed that this writer and Teri Leffek would make an economics- issue presentation to the SEG very similar to the one they made for a recent Kiwanis Club meeting.

It was agreed that Judy would email to SEG facilitator, Ben Dysart, that Port Data Systems will make a presentation after SEG adjournment at the March 6 meeting.

SECOND ORDER IMPACTS:

It was agreed to schedule an EWG meeting to begin to discuss second order impacts. Judy will do an email canvass for schedule availability. Terry will email to members references on ACOE second order impact (non-traditional benefit categories) analyses and methodologies.

DESIGN VESSEL:

The previously agreed upon qualitative approach was reviewed. There was consensus on basic concepts. It appears that the primary, operative difference between the FS design vessel, Regina Maersk, and the current and on-order world fleet is length. Morgan will continue to develop a data base on current and projected world fleet.

Other discussion topics and questions included:

Does the Savannah fleet mirror the world fleet?

Is the Talmadge Bridge clearance sufficient for the newer, bigger ships?

What is the retirement schedule for the current fleet?

What will be the pattern of future lightloading practices?

WHITE PAPERS:

There was a discussion about a time schedule for the work of the EWG. Larry will initiate a flowchart/diagram.

The proposed port development in Jasper County, SC, can be characterized as data points/investigations/discussions that fit into the white papers.

Morgan will distribute developed assumptions and data points.

PEER REVIEW:

Morgan and Teri will research references to peer review in the Operating Guidelines.