Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 94 Part 2.djvu/83

 PUBLIC LAW 96-371—OCT. 3, 1980

94 STAT. 1361

Public Law 96-871 96th Congress Joint Resolution Authorizing and requesting the President of the United States to issue a proclamation designating the seven calendar days beginning October 5, 1980, as National Port Weelc", and for other purposes.

Oct.3, 1980 [H.J. Res. 551]

Whereas the past development of the public ports of the United States is the result of a fruitful partnership in which State and local authorities have assumed m^or responsibilities for landbased port development with the Federal Government constructing and maintaining the navigable waterways and harbors of the United States; Whereas the economic, social, and cultural developments in the history of the port cities and States has mirrored the conditions of the ports of the United States; Whereas ports serving the United States waterbome commerce are responsible for the creation and continued employment of more than one million workers and an annual contriBution in excess of $56,000,000,000 to our Nation's economic well-being; Whereas the development of our Nation's ports is indispensable to our foreign trade and vital for the achievement of a favorable balance of trade; Whereas viable United States ports are necessary to national security and the maintenance of an adequate defense; Whereas the continued development of the ports of the United States is being adversely affected by economic, physical, and other factors, including the problems associated with the adequacy of the harbors and channels; Whereas the ability of the public ports to continue their vital contribution to national security and welfare may be in question; and Whereas there is an urgent need for continuing attention to the needs of the public ports of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the President National Port of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclama- Week. Designation tion designating the seven-day period beginning October 5, 1980, as authorization. "National Port Week" and to invite the Xj^overnors of the several States, the chief officials of local governments, and the people of the United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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