CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- The top executive of the South Carolina State Ports Authority says officials are asking architects for proposals for a new passenger terminal in Charleston.

Jim Newsome also said during a public meeting Thursday in Charleston that the Ports Authority has formed an advisory council with residents in neighborhoods near the 63-acre site of the proposed terminal.

This has been the first year-round cruising season from Charleston. Last winter, the authority unveiled plans to create a new cruise terminal and open another half-mile of Charleston's historic waterfront to the public.

A study commissioned by the authority and released earlier this year estimated cruises meant $37 million to the South Carolina economy this year.

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