MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Highways and Transportation

By: Senator(s) Gordon

AN ACT TO DESIGNATE THE BRIDGE WHICH SPANS THE TENNESSEE-TOMBIGBEE WATERWAY AT AMORY, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE "THOMAS G. ABERNETHY BRIDGE"; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, Congressman Thomas G. Abernethy served North Mississippi for fifteen consecutive terms in the House of Representatives in the Congress of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Thomas G. Abernethy was born in Eupora, Mississippi, on May 16, 1903, and received his high school diploma there, later attending the University of Alabama, receiving his L.L.B. from Cumberland University in 1924, and then doing further work one year at the University of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in 1925 he established his law practice in Eupora where he was elected Mayor; and

WHEREAS, in 1929 he moved to Okolona continuing his practice of law and in 1935 was elected District Attorney; and

WHEREAS, in 1942 he was elected to represent his congressional district in Mississippi in the United States House of Representatives, a post to which he lent dignity and stature during the years in which he served; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi wishes to express its appreciation for his public service by establishing a lasting memorial in his honor; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) The bridge which spans the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway at Amory, Mississippi, is designated and henceforth shall be known as the "Thomas G. Abernethy Bridge."

(2) The Mississippi Department of Transportation shall install appropriate signs at each end of the bridge.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.