House Resolution 88

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING SHARKEY COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF ITS "RECOVER, RECONNECT AND REBUILD" EVENT THAT COMMEMORATES THE RECOVERY EFFORTS OF SHARKEY COUNTY RESIDENTS AND HONORS THE LIVES OF THOSE LOST DURING THE MARCH 2023, TORNADOES AND THUNDERSTORMS.

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2023, Sharkey County, Mississippi, was devastated by a deadly, high-end EF 4 tornado and harsh thunderstorms that swept through Mississippi and Alabama; and

WHEREAS, Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll and Monroe counties which comprise an agricultural hub for Mississippi's South Delta Region were hit the hardest by these storms; and

WHEREAS, the storm was the deadliest storm in the area in more than 52 years, with 22 total fatalities, 15 fatalities in Sharkey County and more than 165 injuries; and

WHEREAS, impacts to Public Sector and Public Facilities including all 23 critical facilities in Rolling Fork and Sharkey County were impacted; and

WHEREAS, pre-storm, there were 104 businesses, but post storm 58 businesses were damaged or destroyed, and while some vowed to rebuild, others have closed permanently; and

WHEREAS, Sharkey County's Historic Courthouse, the only administration building in the county was significantly damaged and remains closed; and

WHEREAS, 884 of the 1,689 houses in Sharkey county were damaged or destroyed leaving residents homeless and without alternatives for shelter; and

WHEREAS, the hospital was damaged beyond repair and is currently operating in inflatable tents within the Civic Center and the Nursing Home has been vacated and is being reconstructed; and

WHEREAS, the Sharkey-Issaquena County Library remains closed 12 months following this deadly storm and the elementary and high school have remained closed since the storm, the sheriff department's damaged or destroyed equipment has not been replaced and the Veteran Service Building still sits destroyed; and

WHEREAS, in spite of the overwhelming devastation throughout their community, the residents of Sharkey County committed themselves to recover, reconnect and rebuild; and

WHEREAS, in honor of that commitment, Sharkey County will host "Recover, Reconnect and Rebuild" on March 22, at the South Delta High School gymnasium to emphasize the continued recovery efforts, connect citizens to much needed resources and continue to support rebuilding efforts; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate to stand with our citizens during distressing times and help them honor the lives of their friends, loved ones and fellow men:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor Sharkey County on the occasion of its "Recover, Reconnect and Rebuild" event that commemorates the recovery efforts of Sharkey County residents and remembers the lives of those lost during the March 2023, tornadoes and thunderstorms.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Sharkey County Board of Supervisors and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.