House Concurrent Resolution 17

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING CONGRESS TO INTRODUCE AND SUPPORT THE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING SUCH FUNDS AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FOUR-LANE BRIDGE ACROSS THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AT OR NEAR GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the economic development and continued growth of any area is closely connected to its transportation network; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Highway 82 is a major part of the Mississippi Delta's transportation network and is designated as part of the National Highways of Significance system; and

WHEREAS, U.S. Highway 82 connects the Mississippi Delta to Interstate 55 and other four-lane highways like U.S. Highway 61 (north of U.S. Highway 82) and U.S. Highway 65, and will soon be four-laned from border to border in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the present U.S. Highway 82 bridge near Greenville, Mississippi, which carries traffic entering and exiting Arkansas and which is economically significant to both the Mississippi Delta and southeast Arkansas, is considered a serious navigational hazard; and

WHEREAS, a feasibility study has been completed and engineering and design studies will soon be completed that call for the construction of a new four-lane span bridge on U.S. Highway 82, built to interstate highway standards, with input by the Corps of Engineers on the bridge's location; and

WHEREAS, Congress wisely has enacted legislation to provide a significant portion of the funding required to defray construction costs of this project:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby urge the United States Congress to introduce and to work in a diligent and proactive manner to support and secure the passage of such legislation as may be necessary to provide additional funds during the 2003-2004 fiscal year as may be necessary to fully fund the construction costs of a new four-lane bridge along U.S. Highway 82 near Greenville, Mississippi, in accordance with such engineering and design standards as may be approved.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, each member of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation and members of the Capitol Press Corps.