Section 697.2 - Legislative findings; declaration of policy(a) Legislative findings.--It is hereby determined and declared as a matter of legislative finding:(1) Greater utilization of the Delaware River is necessary for the increased commerce and prosperity of the people of this Commonwealth.(2) Increased commerce and prosperity of this Commonwealth require a more effective coordination of port facilities and port-related facilities and projects within an established regional port zone along the Delaware River.(3) The long-term economic health of this Commonwealth requires reliable access to water borne transportation on the Delaware River in conjunction with other forms of transportation.(4) The expansion of industrial and commercial activities of this Commonwealth require the planning, designing, construction, erection, operation and management of port facilities and port-related facilities and projects within an established regional port zone along the Delaware River.(5) The ability of regional port facilities along the Delaware River to handle cargo in a reliable, efficient and profitable manner is essential to the long-term economic health and growth of this Commonwealth.(6) Increased regional port activities along the Delaware River will generate substantial direct and indirect employment and tax revenues for the entire Commonwealth and will stimulate labor-intensive and other support services which are essential to the economic well-being of this Commonwealth.(7) The establishment of a port authority for governance of regional port activities along the Delaware River will promote economic growth within this Commonwealth and improve public safety, convenience and welfare.(8) The creation of a port authority for governance of regional port activities along the Delaware River would provide an effective marketing tool for maintaining existing businesses and attracting new businesses while stimulating international trade and promoting industrial development within this Commonwealth.(9) The creation of a port authority for governance of regional port activities along the Delaware River would provide a single and accountable legal entity for the conduct of regional port and port-related activities and business along the Delaware River and for this Commonwealth.(10) It is intended that the port authority created by this act cooperate with local governments, interstate authorities and private enterprise for the purpose of advancing the regional port facilities and port-related projects and activities along the Delaware River for the increased convenience and improved access and welfare of the public, including the furtherance of cooperative state efforts for the unified development and use of port facilities and port-related projects which would benefit the interstate port region.(b) Declaration of policy.--It is hereby declared to be the policy of the Commonwealth to promote the health, safety, employment, business opportunities and general welfare of the people of this Commonwealth by providing for the creation of a regional port authority, to be known as the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, which shall exist and operate as a public instrumentality of this Commonwealth for the purpose contained in this act. Such purposes are hereby declared to be public purposes supporting the enactment of all provisions of this act and for which public moneys may be spent and private property may be acquired by the exercise of the power of eminent domain in accordance with the provisions of this act.1989, July 10, P.L. 291, No. 50, § 2, imd. effective.