MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Thames, Hamilton, Harvey, Browning, Stogner, Simmons, Dickerson, Huggins, Jackson, Hawks, Carlton, Smith

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MEMORIALIZING CONGRESS TO SUPPORT A NATIONAL FIRE ANT PLAN, INCLUDING A COOPERATIVE EFFORT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, THE SOUTHERN LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE, AND STATE AND PRIVATE RESOURCES. 

WHEREAS, the red imported fire ant has rapidly spread across the southeastern United States since its introduction in the early 1900's, and now occupies over 275 million acres, primarily in nine southeastern states and Puerto Rico with small infestations in Oklahoma and Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, these fire ants have exerted a pronounced and diverse effect on wildlife, crops, pastures and most importantly, human welfare; and

WHEREAS, the red imported fire ants also prey on beneficial insects such as bees, lady beetles and many tiny animals that help improve the soil; and

WHEREAS, in Texas alone, the economic impact of the fire ant is well in excess of $300 million annually, including $67 million in losses to livestock; and

WHEREAS, in South Carolina, fire ant infestations have caused the closure for weeks at a time of several elementary schools and have affected the operations of numerous hospitals; and

WHEREAS, the Southern Legislative Conference Fire Ant Task Force met in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 5, 1998, and at that meeting made the decision to request from the United States Department of Agriculture a plan to manage the fire ant problem; and

WHEREAS, with this plan in development, the Mississippi Legislature expresses its full support for the Southern Legislative Conference Fire Ant Task Force in formulating a national fire ant plan with the United States Department of Agriculture:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby urge Congress to support a national fire ant plan, including a cooperative effort with the United States Department of Agriculture, the Southern Legislative Conference, and state and private resources.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi Congressional delegation and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.