AUSTIN, TX -- Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee to Study the Development of a Cruise Industry. The committee will study the economic possibility of developing a cruise industry on the Texas coast between Calhoun and Cameron Counties, including its potential economic impact and options to attract the cruise industry to South Texas.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following statement regarding his appointment:

"I thank Lt. Governor Patrick for appointing me Vice Chair to the Joint Committee to Study the Development of a Cruise Industry. Here in Texas we are blessed with a beautiful stretch of coastline with three major deep-water ports along the gulf coast offering our economy and businesses significant potential for the development of a cruise industry.

The committee's research will help private industry identify new cruise ship hosting opportunities from Calhoun to Cameron Counties that already have the needed access points, and the economic vitality of South Texas is primed for further development. A successful cruise industry here in Texas will only increase our already thriving economy and significantly contribute to our tourism industry."

Other members of the Committee include Chairwoman Lois Kolkhorst, Senators Joan Huffman, Eddie Lucio, Jr., and Larry Taylor.

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