House Concurrent Resolution 26

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. CLYDE BROWN ON BEING NAMED RECIPIENT OF THE 2003 NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ASSOCIATION'S (NOAA) ENVIRONMENTAL HERO AWARD.

WHEREAS, Clyde Brown of Moss Point, Mississippi, an active participant and supporter of the Department of Marine Resources' Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNERR), was named the 2003 recipient of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Environmental Hero Award; and

WHEREAS, the selection of Mr. Brown as the award recipient is attributable to his long-term efforts to protect the fragile, natural resources of the Mississippi Coastal region; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Brown, a life-long resident of eastern Jackson County, Mississippi, and forty-year retiree from the International Paper Company, has been involved in numerous volunteer efforts to preserve Mississippi's coastal resources, which range from serving on citizen advisory council, to establishing the GBNERR; and

WHEREAS, the Environmental Hero Award was established in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Earth Day, and is presented to individuals and organizations who volunteer their time and energy to assist NOAA in fulfilling its mission; and

WHEREAS, described as soft-spoken, yet determined in his efforts to conserve the resources of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mr. Brown is among only thirty-six winners in the nation, in a class of thirty-five individuals and one organization, of the 2003 NOAA Environmental Hero Award; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence in such outstanding Mississippians as Mr. Brown, who serves as the pulse of the Mississippi Coastal community as he seeks out federal and state conservation initiatives to preserve the area's rich resources, and whose devotion to the cause embodies true environmental heroism:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. Clyde Brown on being named recipient of the 2003 NOAA Environmental Hero Award and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Clyde Brown and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.