N E
W S R E L E A S E
July 28, 2004
Thomas J. Murray & Associates, Inc.
For More Information, Contact: Tom Murray
Thomas J. Murray & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 1083
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
Phone (804) 684-7190
Fax (804) 725-4580
Email: tjm@vims.edu
Meetings Set To Gather Public Comment on Impacts of Cruise Ships on
Key West's Quality of Life
The
City of Key West has contracted the consulting firm of Thomas J. Murray
& Associates, Inc. to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of
cruise ships on Key West. The study is entitled "Impact of Cruise Ships
on Quality of Life in Key West." The consulting firm was selected after
a competitive process involving proposals from consulting firms
nationwide. The consulting team of economists, planners, and biologists
initiated the study in May. As part of the project the City has
scheduled two initial public information meetings. The meetings are
scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 10th at the Key West High School
and also on Wednesday, August 11th at 6 p.m. in the Old City Hall.
Citizens are encouraged to attend and to provide input at the early
stages of the study. It is anticipated that the study will be completed
during the first quarter of 2005. Additional public meetings will be
held toward the end of the research period to brief the public on
findings and further solicit public input. In addition to public
meetings, the firm will be conducting Key West resident and business
mail surveys relative to cruise ship activity, as well as on-site Key
West visitor, cruise ship passenger and crew surveys. The surveys will
build upon the findings of the recently completed business and resident
surveys conducted by the City.
At the public meetings the consultants will provide an overview of the
research which is to provide the City detail on the impacts of cruise
ships in the following areas:
1. The economic impact of the cruise ship industry on Key West.
2. The fiscal impact on the City of Key West relative to required
infrastructure and public service expenditures.
3. The environmental impact of cruise ship activity on the local
ecosystem.
4. Any adverse economic impacts on natural resource based industry which
might arise from any environmental degradation found to be associated
with the industry.
5. The impact of this activity on the local housing market, and
affordable housing in particular.
Based upon the impact findings additional cruise ship management
strategies may be evaluated for consideration by the City.
Thomas Murray and his research associates will present an overview of
the project at the information meetings and open the sessions to public
input and questions relating to the study and the subject of cruise
ships and quality of life. |
