New report suggests cruise impact less in SC

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A new study says the impact of the cruise industry in South Carolina is less than the $37 million an earlier report for the South Carolina State Ports Authority suggests.

The new report was released Wednesday by a researcher who compiled it for the Historic Charleston Foundation.

Harry Miley says that while his report doesn’t include a specific figure, based on cruise operations in other cities the Charleston impact would appear to be far less than $37 million. He says further study is needed.

The report suggests Charleston should become more involved with the cruise industry and impose a reasonable cruise passenger fee to offset costs of serving the industry.

The Ports Authority is planning a new, $35 million cruise terminal as part of a city waterfront redevelopment.