MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 2nd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Wiggins

Senate Concurrent Resolution 510

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO DIRECT TRUMAN-HOBBS ACT FUNDING TO REPLACE THE CSX DRAWBRIDGE ON THE PEARL RIVER IN HANCOCK COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the State of Mississippi and the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission dba Hancock County Development Commission to request the United States Congress to direct Truman-Hobbs Act Funding to replace the CSX drawbridge on the Pearl River in Hancock County, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, the horizontal clearance of the existing Pearl River CSX drawbridge is 87' compared to the horizontal clearance of similar bridges at Pascagoula CSX drawbridge with a horizontal clearance of 140' and Biloxi CSX drawbridge with a horizontal clearance of 132'; and

     WHEREAS, this narrow opening does not allow vessels to utilize the shortest path to the Intercoastal Waterway; and

     WHEREAS, such replacement would create the shortest possible water route between Port Bienville Industrial Park and the Intercoastal Waterways by allowing vessels to access the Pearl River; and

     WHEREAS, such replacement would also minimize the cost for annual dredging required to maintain the waterways due to the shorter passage required to be maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and

     WHEREAS, this would benefit both current and future industrial tenants located in the Port Bienville Industrial Park:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Mississippi Legislature hereby respectfully requests that the United States Congress direct Truman-Hobbs Act Funding to replace the CSX drawbridge on the Pearl River in Hancock County, Mississippi.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Honorable Senator Thad Cochran and his staff, all members of the Mississippi Congressional delegation, the President of the United States, and the Governor of the State of Mississippi, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.