House Concurrent Resolution 44

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING RESPONSE TO HURRICANE KATRINA.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Rural Water Association is a nonprofit organization established in 1978 to aid small towns and rural community water and wastewater systems through training and on-site technical assistance, and their assistance is geared toward the management, operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems and to aid them in understanding the rules and regulations regarding such operation; and

WHEREAS, for years, the Mississippi Rural Water Association has provided water and wastewater training and technical assistance to the small towns and rural communities in all 82 Mississippi counties; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Rural Water Association promotes water conservation and protection through public awareness campaigns and technical assistance activities, and they produce and mail thousands of information pieces each year to keep industry and government leaders up-to-date on issues important to the rural water and wastewater industries, thus aiding in the development of effective regulations; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Rural Water Association has contracts through the National Rural Water Association, the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Mississippi State Revolving Fund and the South Eastern Technical Assistance Center; and

WHEREAS, during Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi Rural Water Association's staff collectively worked many thousands of hours assisting water and wastewater systems to return them to working condition in order for the citizens of Mississippi to have potable drinking water; and

WHEREAS, the staff of the Mississippi Rural Water Association is still providing water and wastewater technical assistance to systems affected by Hurricane Katrina; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Rural Water Association won the prestigious Platinum Pump for Excellence in Rural Water Response at the National Rural Water Association's Annual Tribute to Excellence Awards Ceremony held in Dallas, Texas, for their efforts following Hurricane Katrina; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Mississippi will never forget the immediate response and continued dedication by the staff of the Mississippi Rural Water Association following this great disaster which befell our state, and these extraordinary individuals merit a special measure of commendation for their commitment to the people of Mississippi in our time of need; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to commend excellence as evidenced by the staff of the Mississippi Rural Water Association following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the staff of the Mississippi Rural Water Association for outstanding and highly effective efforts during and after Hurricane Katrina, express enduring gratitude and appreciation for the thousands of hours spent by these workers testing water and wastewater systems in order for the people of Mississippi to have potable drinking water, and express appreciation to these individuals for their remarkable assistance to their fellow citizens in an historic time of need.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Pete Boone, Executive Director of the Mississippi Rural Water Association, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.