House Concurrent Resolution 66

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING 2020 AS "THE YEAR TO EMBRACE THE GULF" AND RECOGNIZE THE GULF OF MEXICO'S IMPORTANCE TO THE NATION.

WHEREAS, the Gulf of Mexico is an ocean basin bounded on the north, northeast and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States, on the south and southwest by Mexico, and on the southeast by Cuba; and the Gulf of Mexico is bordered by five Gulf Coast states: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas; and the Gulf region contributes to the nation's economy, security, energy, environment, heritage, beauty, diversity and resilience; and

WHEREAS, the Gulf of Mexico's watershed covers more than half of the continental United States and the Mississippi River drains more than one-third of the nation, and it is characterized with diverse flora and fauna and provides food, shelter and habitat to marine and estuarine organisms, shorebirds and waterfowl, and wildlife, and the Gulf Coast supports our nation's seafood industry through commercial fishing but also provides recreational adventures such as sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing; and

WHEREAS, the Gulf of Mexico is key to our nation's security and defense; oil, gas and energy production; trade of import and exports; and aerospace exploration, and the value of the Gulf Coast to provide these key national services is immeasurable; and

WHEREAS, the Gulf of Mexico is more than just a pretty picture; it provides thousands of miles of beautiful, affordable shoreline living, and the Gulf Coast region is also one of the most culturally diverse regions in the nation with millions of residents tracing their heritage to Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, and the Gulf Coast embraces a variety of traditions and invokes a strong sense of place; and

WHEREAS, Gulf Coast tourism generates hundreds of billions of dollars each year, and if the Gulf Coast region was a country, our economy would rank among the top 10 worldwide, and by increasing awareness of the Gulf of Mexico's many treasures and limitless value, we ensure a sustainable future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby acknowledge and observe 2020 as "The Year to Embrace the Gulf" and encourage the citizens of Mississippi to commemorate its observance beginning January 1, 2020.

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