Economics Working Group

March 7, 2000

Meeting Summary

Attending were Morgan Rees, Will Berson, Patty McIntosh, and this writer Judy Jennings. Larry Keegan attended via speaker phone.

The following mission statement was adopted:

The EWG mission is to:

• ensure consistency between the scientific and the economic assessment of the proposed deepening;
• review, critique and clarify updated economic analysis;
• ensure that all relevant economic impacts are thoroughly considered and objectively evaluated.

The following topics were added to the previously identified issues to be addressed:

• Mega-distribution centers located in and near Savannah
• Shipping industry trends
• Other ports to include Norfolk
• Rolling average vs. fixed year as base year
• Incremental jobs
• National and regional benefits Overcapacity in east and west coast ports
• Railroad congestion
• Railroad mergers
• West coast landbridge
• Canadian competition

There was a discussion about the methodology used by the Corps for economic analyses. Morgan will provide an outline of an economic analysis indicating areas of flexibility. Will will look at IWR’s website for specific publications with an eye for formula, process, and procedures.

Next meeting date: tentative for April 4 at the Savannah Airport.