Treasurer David McRae today released the following statement in the wake of the twentieth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina:
“Twenty years has passed, but Mississippi will be forever changed. As I reflect on this time, I do so with an immense amount of sadness for the lives and livelihoods lost, but also an incredible amount of pride and admiration for the way in which Mississippi responded to this tragic crisis. We united as a state, invested in what was needed, and became an example to the nation of how to handle a national disaster of this magnitude.
“For our family’s part, my wife Katie spent six years working on recovery projects for the Mississippi Development Authority, working under Lee Youngblood, who is now my Unclaimed Money Director. I saw how personal recovery was, not only to them, but to every member of their team. I thank them all for their efforts.
“Finally, to those who lost loved ones, know you are in my prayers today. To the survivors, your resilience remains an inspiration. And to all Mississippians, let us never forget what we endured, how we rebuilt, and the strength we found in each other. May God bless and keep Mississippi safely in His care.”
