Whereas, in 1993 the Canadian National Railroad announced its intention to abandon the old unused Illinois Central Railroad from Hattiesburg to Prentiss, Mississippi; and,

Whereas, community leaders along the route, including Sumrall Mayor DARWIN GRAHAM, immediately joined efforts to preserve the old railroad rights-of-way for further beneficial purposes to include a possible multi- purpose recreational trail; and,

Whereas, on April 7, 1994, and at the request of those community leaders, along with an outpouring of community support, the Mississippi Legislature created the authority for rails–to–trails recreational districts; and,

Whereas, in 1994, by joint resolution the counties of Forrest, Jefferson Davis, and Lamar, and the municipalities of Bassfield, Hattiesburg, Prentiss, and Sumrall, created the Pearl and Leaf Rivers Rails-To-Trails Recreational District; and,

Whereas, in 1994, and after providing leadership and support in a successful effort to preserve the old railroad rights-of-way, Sumrall Mayor Darwin Graham was appointed as Sumrall’s first official representative on the newly created Board of Directors; and,

Whereas, Director Graham continued (1994-2005) to provide invaluable leadership and faithful support throughout the district’s formative years to include the design and construction of the 40.25 mile Phase I and Phase II of the Longleaf Trace; and,

Whereas, Director Graham and his fellow directors proudly witnessed their vision achieve both state and national recognition to include "Mississippi Best", designation as a "National Recreational Trail", and being considered one of our nation’s finest rails-to-trails conversions; and,

Whereas, his colleagues gather with his friends and family to honor Darwin Graham, who further distinguished a lifetime of community service and achievement by lending his leadership and faithful service assisting with the creation of the Pearl and Leaf Rivers Rails-To-Trails Recreational District, the establishment of administrative policy, and the design and construction of Phases I and II of the Longleaf Trace.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND ADJUDICATED by the Board of Directors of the Pearl and Leaf River Rails-To-Trails Recreational District, that all matters, facts, and things hereinabove set out and set forth be the order of the Board and that DARWIN GRAHAM be honored for a lifetime of achievements and faithful public service with the honor of today’s recognition and dedication; and,

THEREFORE, IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that in honor of DARWIN GRAHAM, the SUMRALL STATION and adjoining facilities shall hereafter be known as the DARWIN GRAHAM TRAILHEAD.

President, Board of Directors