MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Hewes

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE ASSISTANCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION IN OBTAINING FUNDS FOR THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN THE COASTAL AREA OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, water is a basic and vital resource. To enhance the quality of life and general welfare for ourselves and our posterity, water resource planning is necessary to provide for the development and use of water resources in a manner that will best serve the physical, environmental and social needs of the people of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Section 51-3-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, states "It is the policy of the Legislature that conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water shall be encouraged for the reasonable and beneficial use of all water resources of the state." The law further states that the policies, regulations and laws of the state shall be interpreted and administered so that groundwater and surface water resources "shall be integrated in their use, storage, allocation and management"; and

WHEREAS, the coastal area consists of Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties; and

WHEREAS, groundwater problems have been found in areas of the Mississippi Delta and the metropolitan centers around Memphis, Tupelo, Hattiesburg, Jackson and the Gulf Coast. Data provided by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality show a trend of lowered static water levels in some aquifers over the past 35 years. These declines are often localized and may not be superimposed upon some regional trend; and

WHEREAS, in recent years the coastal area has experienced tremendous growth. Most of this growth has occurred in the three southern counties. This growth, resulting from increased industrial development, expansion of federal government facilities and the establishment of the casino gaming industry, has increased the population and demand for services substantially. In addition to the population increase, a substantial increase has also been seen in tourism; and

WHEREAS, the estimated population of the coastal area was 428,891 in 1998. This represents an increase of 13% over the 1990 census figure of 378,363. In fact, coastal area counties have shown significant growth since the 1950 census. Between 1950 and 1990, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties had population growth of 168%, 96% and 267%, respectively. George, Stone and Pearl River Counties each grew between 65% to 90%. During the same period, the population of the entire state grew only 18%. During the 1990s, the coastal area has continued significant growth of 13% as compared to a 7% growth rate statewide; and

WHEREAS, in the coastal area, the total average daily withdrawal is estimated to exceed 350 million gallons. Fresh surface water withdrawals occur primarily in Harrison and Jackson Counties and are utilized for industrial uses. Fresh groundwater withdrawals average about 70 million gallons per day. Two-thirds of that water is withdrawn for public supply purposes; and

WHEREAS, 1990 census information shows Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties rank among the highest in the state in households not served by public or privately-operated water supply systems; and

WHEREAS, estimated fresh groundwater withdrawals increased by 25% from 1975 to 1990. Estimated fresh surface water withdrawals increased from 1975 to 1995 by more than 250% from 44 million gallons per day to 168 million gallons per day. During the period 1975 to 1995, estimated saline surface water withdrawals in the coastal area decreased by 85%; and

WHEREAS, significant population growth potential is projected for all counties in the coastal area. County population growth estimates range between 22% and 59%; and

WHEREAS, calculated estimates for water demand in 2005 show an increased demand of 20% over 1995 in public supply for the coastal area. The estimated demand increase for 2015 is 36% over the 1995 levels; and

WHEREAS, in the three southern counties, manufacturing employment is projected to increase above the 1995 estimated employment. The fastest growing sectors of the southern coastal counties' employment are projected to be in retail trade (12% by 2005 and 20% by 2015) and services (30% by 2005 and 52% by 2015); and

WHEREAS, concerns have been raised about the coastal area's ability to provide a predictable and reliable long-term source of water supply to meet its increasing needs; and

WHEREAS, there is no water crisis presently facing the coastal area. Continued population and industrial growth will place greater demands on coastal area water supplies. Future growth will result in the need to access water of sufficient quantity and adequate quality in a certain location; and

WHEREAS, proper investigation, analysis and planning for water resource development is a lengthy process. Counties and communities in the coastal area need to unite their efforts in water resource planning and development, as well as the consideration of alternatives for meeting future water resource needs. Any water resource plan for the coastal area should be comprehensive in area and content and should address the costs and benefits of various alternatives:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby request the assistance of the Mississippi congressional delegation in obtaining funds for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a comprehensive study of water supply and demand in the coastal area of Mississippi. The study should assess the need for the construction of a multi-use reservoir in the coastal area, including total cost estimates for design and construction of that reservoir.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be provided to each member of the Mississippi congressional delegation.