MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Carlton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE FOR THE BACKWATER PUMP PROJECT FOR THE LOWER DELTA REGION, AND URGING THE U.S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO ACT EXPEDITIOUSLY IN COMPLETING THE PROJECT.

WHEREAS, the Yazoo Backwater area is subject to recurring floods causing substantial financial losses and immeasurable personal trauma; and

WHEREAS, the flood of 1973 created a body of flood water 60 miles long and caused over $65 Million in losses; and

WHEREAS, substantial flooding occurred in 1975, 1979, 1983, 1989, 1994, 1995 and 1997; and

WHEREAS, the Backwater Pump Project for the Lower Delta will provide protection for the South Delta region; and

WHEREAS, this project will drastically reduce the total acreage subject to flooding; and

WHEREAS, in addition to substantially reducing economic losses, the pumping capacity design will be operated in a manner that is sensitive to waterfowl objectives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and

WHEREAS, the completion of the Backwater Pump Project is essential to flood protection and future development of the South Delta region; and

WHEREAS, due to the immeasurable benefits of this project and the urgent need for completion of the project, it is vital that the U.S. Corps of Engineers act expeditiously to fulfill its mission authorized by Congress:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Legislature does hereby express its support of the Backwater Pump Project for the Lower Delta and urge the Vicksburg District, U.S. Corps of Engineers, to act expeditiously in completing the project and fulfilling the mission assigned to the U.S. Corps of Engineers by Congress.