Environmental Impact Assessment, North Bimini Ferry Terminal Project, Bimini, Bahamas
duration. The duration of the direct impacts would be both short-term (during construction) and long-term (during operation and maintenance). . The categories of potential impacts to demographics discussed in this section include the following: • • •
Effect of direct and indirect population growth, Use of local labor, and Displacement and resettlement of existing housing.
5.3.1.1 Effect of Direct and Indirect Population Growth The overall significance of the effects of direct and indirect population growth resulting from the proposed development and infrastructure are expected to be high. Construction Phase The projects would employee workers living on Bimini as well as attract new workers to the island during the construction phase. This is expected to create direct but short-term, negative impacts through temporary population growth. These impacts are largely anticipated to be limited to the property and will be mitigated by the provision of temporary housing by Bimini Bay. More than 60 employee housing units are available within the back of house area at the Bimini Bay Resort; these units are already built (dorm style). All construction works will be housed on the Bimini Bay Resort property. Operation and Maintenance Phase The proposed project would expand the local economy on the island by increasing job opportunities. Stable jobs created particularly by long-term project operation, and at other businesses that open to support an increase in island visitors, should directly and indirectly spur population growth on Bimini. This economic expansion could create on-island job opportunities for former Bimini residents who have left to seek employment elsewhere, allowing them to return to the island and help strengthen the island community. An increase in permanent population would result in increased demand for housing and island services, such as education, potable water, solid waste disposal services, and improved roadways. The population growth resulting from the project will place additional demands on the local police, fire, medical and other community services available on Bimini. Therefore, the potential direct and indirect impacts due to population growth on the island are expected to be negative and high, long-term, and island wide. It should be noted that the economic expansion and tax revenues generated by the project would also help support island improvements required by a growing population. 5.3.1.2 Use of Local Labor The overall significance of the potential impacts on the use of local labor resulting from the proposed project and infrastructure is expected to be high and positive. The duration of the direct, island-wide impacts would be both short-term (during construction) and long- term (during operation and maintenance). Construction Phase Resorts World Bimini and RAV Bahamas will make reasonable efforts, through its construction contractors, to employ as many qualified Bahamians as possible at all levels, provided the level of expertise and skilled labor is locally available to construct a quality project within the construction schedule. Bimini Bay will define various skill levels necessary for each construction trade, and will make reasonable efforts to further train those citizens with qualified construction skills. Bimini Bay will also make reasonable efforts to contract with qualified and suitable Bahamian companies, where possible and appropriate, during construction. Bimini Bay will also purchase locally manufactured 4 October 2013
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