Tennessee HJR 630: Memorials, Recognition - Memphis Light, Gas and Water, 80th anniversary -

Bill Text

HJR0630
008991
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<BillNo> <Sponsor>

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 630
By Parkinson

A RESOLUTION to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of
Memphis Light, Gas and Water.

WHEREAS, the members of this General Assembly are pleased to recognize a
governmental utility that has provided safe and reliable electricity, gas, and water to the public
for eighty years; and
WHEREAS, Memphis Light, Gas and Water's (MLGW's) parent company was founded
in 1852, but it was not until February 6, 1939, that the City of Memphis purchased Memphis
Power and Light for $17.36 million, with the Tennessee Valley Authority contributing $2.11
million; and
WHEREAS, on March 9, 1939, the Governor of Tennessee signed into law legislation
creating the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division and the Board of Memphis Light, Gas and
Water Commissioners to guide and regulate the utility; and
WHEREAS, today, MLGW is the largest three-service public utility in the nation, serving
more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County, and the original slogan "Public
Service—Publicly Owned" still resonates perfectly in describing its mission; and
WHEREAS, during the past eighty years, MLGW has grown, expanded, and improved
with the times, and the Board of Commissioners and administration have worked together to
ensure that the utility remains upon its rock-solid foundation of providing safe, reliable power at
the lowest possible cost; and
WHEREAS, MLGW is the premier three-service public utility in the U.S. and is richly
deserving of our approbation on this special occasion; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
ELEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE

HJR0630
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CONCURRING, that we honor and congratulate the Board of Commissioners, administration,
and dedicated professionals of Memphis Light, Gas and Water on the celebration of MLGW's
eightieth anniversary and extend to these fine citizens our best wishes for much continued
success in providing electricity, gas, and water to the good people of Memphis and Shelby
County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy.