Miss. Code Ann. § 57-91-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 69 / Section 91-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-91-5
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed herein unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Business enterprise ” means any permanent business enterprise locating or relocating within a redevelopment project area, including, without limitation:

(i) Industry for the manufacturing, processing, assembling, storing, warehousing, servicing, distributing or selling of any products or goods, including products of agriculture;

(ii) Enterprises for research and development, including, but not limited to, scientific laboratories;

(iii) Industry for the retail sale of goods and services;

(iv) The industry for recreation and hospitality, including, but not limited to, restaurants, hotels and sports facilities; and

(v) Such other businesses or industry as will be in furtherance of the public purposes of this chapter as determined by the MDA.

The term “business enterprise” shall not include gaming businesses, or medical cannabis establishments as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

(b) “ Contaminated site ” means real property that is either (i) subject to a bankruptcy court order in which the property has been abandoned from the bankruptcy estate, or (ii) Brownfield property that is subject to a Brownfield agreement under Section 49-35-11 , and the expansion, redevelopment or reuse of which is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

(c) “ County ” means any county of this state.

(d) “ Developer ” means any person who assumes certain environmental liability at a contaminated site and enters into an agreement with a redevelopment county or municipality whereby the developer agrees to undertake a redevelopment project. “ Developer agreement ” means said agreement.

(e) “ Governing body ” means the board of supervisors of any county or the governing board of a municipality.

(f) “ Law ” means any act or statute, general, special or local, of this state.

(g) “ MDA ” means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(h) “ MDEQ ” means the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

(i) “ Municipality ” means any incorporated municipality in the state.

(j) “ Person ” means a natural person, partnership, association, corporation, business trust or other business entity.

(k) “ Redevelopment counties and municipalities ” means those counties or municipalities which meet the requirements of this chapter and which have by resolution or order designated a redevelopment project area and given its consent to participate in the program established under this chapter.

(l) “ Redevelopment project ” means a project that combines remediation of a contaminated site with the planned development of such site and surrounding land in a manner conducive to use by the public or business enterprises including the construction of recreational facilities.

(m) “ Redevelopment project area ” means the geographic area defined by resolution of the county or municipality within which the remediation and planned development will take place containing the contaminated site and additional surrounding and adjacent land and waterfront, not exceeding six hundred fifty (650) acres, suitable for development.

(n) “ Resolution ” means an order, resolution, ordinance, act, record of minutes or other appropriate enactment of a governing body.

(o) “ State taxes and fees ” means any sales tax imposed on the sales or certain purchases by a business enterprise pursuant to law within a redevelopment project area, all income tax imposed pursuant to law on income earned by the approved business enterprise within a redevelopment project area and all franchise tax imposed pursuant to law on the value of capital used, invested or employed by the approved business enterprise in a redevelopment project area.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-67-13 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 63 / Section 67-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-67-13
Status: in_force

(1) The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning is hereby directed to develop plans for the creation of an Institute of High Energy Physics. Upon notification to the authority by the Department of Energy that the state has been selected as the site of the project, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning not later than one (1) year thereafter shall establish and create the institute. Such institute shall include at least twenty (20) funded faculty positions and shall include facilities to accommodate faculty and graduate students.

(2) The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning is hereby directed to develop plans for the creation of an Institute for Mathematics and Computing Sciences. Upon notification to the authority by the Department of Energy that the state has been selected as the site of the project, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning not later than one (1) year thereafter shall establish and create the institute.

(3) The authority is hereby directed to develop plans for technology transfer activities to ensure private sector conduits for exchange of information, technology and expertise related to the project to generate opportunities for commercial development within the state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-35 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 19 / Section 31-35
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-35
Status: in_force

(1) For the purposes of this section, the following words shall have the meanings ascribed herein, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “ Authority ” means an industrial development authority created pursuant to this chapter or an economic development district created pursuant to Section 19-5-99 of any county in which an industrial development authority is created pursuant to this chapter.

(b) “ Costs of a megasite project ” means all costs of a megasite project including site preparation and other start-up costs, construction, fixtures and real and personal property required for the purposes of a megasite project, whether publicly or privately owned, including land and any rights or undivided interest therein, options, easements, franchises, fees, permits, approvals, licenses, and certificates and the securing of such permits, approvals, licenses, and certificates and all machinery and equipment; any cost associated with the closure, post-closure maintenance or corrective action on environmental matters, financing charges and interest prior to and during development and/or construction and during such additional period necessary for the development and operation of a megasite project; costs of engineering, surveying, environmental, geotechnical, architectural and legal services; costs of plans and specifications and all expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of a megasite project; administrative expenses; and such other expenses as may be necessary or incidental to the financing authorized in this chapter. The costs of a megasite project may also include funds for the creation of a debt service reserve, a renewal and replacement reserve, bond insurance and credit enhancement, and such other reserves as may be authorized by any bond resolution or trust agreement or indenture pursuant to the provisions of which the issuance of any such bonds may be authorized by a county board of supervisors pursuant to subsection (3) below. Any obligation or expense incurred for any of the foregoing purposes shall be regarded as a part of the costs of a megasite project and may be paid or reimbursed as such out of the proceeds of any revenues obtained by the county including, without limitation, special assessments, general obligation bonds or notes issued pursuant to Section 19-9-1 et seq. or revenue bonds or notes.

(c) “ Facilities related to a megasite ” means and includes the acquisition, construction, restoration, repair, renovation, improvement, demolition or removal of any of the following, or any portion thereof, as they may pertain to a megasite and/or the development of one or more industrial projects thereon: (i) megasite preparation and improvements (including clearing, grubbing and grading activities); (ii) potable and nonpotable water supply systems that will serve the megasite or any portion thereof, whether or not such potable and nonpotable water supply systems are located on or outside of the megasite; (iii) sewage and waste disposal systems that will serve the megasite or any portion thereof, whether or not such sewage and waste disposal systems are located on or outside of the megasite; (iv) storm water drainage and other drainage systems that will serve the megasite or any portion thereof, whether or not such storm water drainage and other drainage systems are located on or outside of the megasite; (v) highways, streets and other roadways located upon the megasite or which are otherwise necessary to provide any access to and from the megasite or any portion thereof; (vi) fire suppression and prevention systems that will serve the megasite or any portion thereof, whether or not such fire suppression and prevention systems are located on or outside of the megasite; (vii) utility distribution systems, including, but not limited to, electricity, natural gas, telephone and other information and telecommunications facilities, whether by wire, fiber or wireless means, that will serve the megasite, whether or not such utility distribution systems are located on or outside of the megasite; provided that this subsection (vii) shall not empower the authority to acquire, construct, restore, repair, renovate, improve, demolish or remove any utility distribution system with respect to the megasite or any portion thereof which the authority is not otherwise already permitted to do under other applicable law; (viii) any other purposes authorized by or defined in Section 19-9-1 .

(d) “ Megasite project ” means the acquisition and development of a megasite by an authority created pursuant to this chapter for purposes of establishing a new industrial park or a single or multiple parcel industrial development zone to attract significant single- or multi-use industrial development projects, together with, as applicable, any industrial project undertaken on a megasite and/or any facilities related to a megasite.

(e) “ Megasite ” means any single tract or combination of contiguous tracts, excluding intervening roadways, railways, waterways or utility-ways, of at least eight hundred (800) acres acquired or otherwise under the control of an authority for the purposes of undertaking a megasite project on all or portion thereof; provided that, in the event a megasite initially contains at least eight hundred (800) acres, the use of the term megasite shall also include any adjoining real property tracts that are subsequently acquired or otherwise brought under the control of such authority.

(2) An authority is authorized and empowered to:

(a) Acquire by gift, purchase or otherwise, and to own, hold, maintain, control and develop real estate situated within the county and/or any interests therein for the purposes of undertaking a megasite project;

(b) Acquire by gift, purchase or otherwise, and to own, hold, repair, maintain, control and develop any facilities related to a megasite;

(c) Sell, lease, sublease, sub-sub lease, sell and leaseback, lease and sublease-back, trade, exchange or otherwise convey or dispose of a megasite project or any portions thereof or any interests therein to individuals, firms or business enterprises, public or private; in each of the above instances for such consideration, and with such safeguards as are determined by the authority will best promote and protect the public interest, convenience and necessity, and to enter into and execute purchase options, purchase agreements, deeds, leases, subleases, development agreements and other contracts, easements and other legal instruments necessary or convenient therefor. Such authority is further authorized and empowered to undertake any of the preceding authorized transactions, and enter into and execute any contract, agreement or instruments with respect thereto on the basis of negotiation with the authority without the necessity of any appraisal, advertisement for proposals, bids or offers, or of any other public procurement or sale requirements.

(3) The county board of supervisors of any county in which an authority is created pursuant to this chapter is authorized to (a) (i) incur bonded and floating indebtedness by issuing general obligation bonds, revenue bonds or special assessment bonds as authorized by any statute authorizing the issuance of such bonds, (ii) accept and borrow any loan from the federal government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and/or (iii) incur any other indebtedness in any manner for which it is authorized by law to incur debt, (b) may appropriate funds for the purposes and in the manner prescribed by law, and (c) may accept and utilize grants, donations or contributions from any source, whether public or private, to fund any costs of a megasite project. Any revenues derived from a project financed with indebtedness incurred pursuant to this section may be pledged, in whole or in part, by such county board of supervisors to secure payment of the bonded indebtedness incurred to finance a project.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 28 / Section 44-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-7
Status: in_force

(1) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury to be designated as the “Local Governments Freight Rail Service Project Revolving Loan Fund,” which fund shall consist of such monies as provided in Sections 57-44-11 through 57-44-39 . The fund shall be maintained in perpetuity for the purposes established in this chapter. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund may not be used or expended for any purpose except as authorized under this chapter. However, the Mississippi Development Authority, in order to promote the safety of the general public, shall establish a program to permit monies from the Local Governments Freight Rail Service Project Revolving Loan Fund to be provided to counties in the form of grants to assist counties in defraying expenses relating to the upgrading of railroad grade crossings. Only projects approved by the Mississippi Department of Transportation shall be eligible for such grants. The Mississippi Development Authority, by rule and regulation, shall establish the maximum amount of any grant awarded to a county and may establish such other rules and regulations as it deems appropriate or necessary to administer the grant program and ensure that monies in the fund are made available to all counties on an equitable basis. Federal funds shall be utilized to pay not less than five percent (5%) of the cost of each project. However, the maximum amount of such grants to all counties may not exceed Eight Million Dollars ($ 8,000,000.00), in the aggregate.

(2) The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish a loan program by which loans, at a rate of interest not to exceed one percent (1%) less than the federal reserve discount rate, may be made available to counties and incorporated municipalities to provide loans to counties and incorporated municipalities which may be used by the governing authorities of such counties and municipalities to provide loans to railroad corporations for freight rail service projects. Loans from the revolving fund may be made to counties and municipalities as set forth in a loan agreement in amounts established by the Mississippi Development Authority. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish a maximum amount for any loan in order to provide for broad and equitable participation in the program.

(3) A county that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the homestead exemption annual tax loss reimbursement to which it may be entitled under Section 27-33-77 . An incorporated municipality that receives a loan from the revolving fund shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the sales tax revenue distribution to which it may be entitled under Section 27-65-75 . Each loan agreement shall provide for (a) monthly payments, (b) semiannual payments, or (c) other periodic payments, the annual total of which shall not exceed the annual total for any other year of the loan by more than fifteen percent (15%). The loan agreement shall provide for the repayment of all funds received within not more than fifteen (15) years from the date of project completion.

(4) The State Auditor, upon request of the Mississippi Development Authority, shall audit the receipts and expenditures of a county or an incorporated municipality whose loan payments appear to be in arrears, and if he finds that the county or municipality is in arrears in such payments, he shall immediately notify the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration who shall withhold all future payments to the county of homestead exemption reimbursements under Section 27-33-77 and all sums allocated to the county or the municipality under Section 27-65-75 until such time as the county or the municipality is again current in its loan payments as certified by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(5) Evidences of indebtedness which are issued pursuant to this chapter shall not be deemed indebtedness within the meaning specified in Section 21-33-303 with regard to cities or incorporated towns, and in Section 19-9-5 with regard to counties.

(6) The Mississippi Development Authority may, on a case-by-case basis, renegotiate the payment of principal and interest on loans made under this chapter to the six (6) most southern counties of the state covered by the Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for the State of Mississippi (FEMA-1604-DR) dated August 29, 2005, and to incorporated municipalities located in such counties; however, the interest on the loans shall not be forgiven for a period of more than twenty-four (24) months and the maturity of the loans shall not be extended for a period of more than forty-eight (48) months.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 13 / Section 61-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-9
Status: in_force

(1) Any private company desiring assistance from a municipality shall submit to the municipality a letter of intent to locate, expand or build a facility entirely or partially within the municipality or on land the municipality is authorized to own or otherwise acquire. The letter of intent shall include:

(a) Except for strategic investments, a commitment that the proposed project will create and maintain a minimum of ten (10) net new full-time equivalent jobs, will create and maintain at least a five percent (5%) increase in full-time equivalent jobs in the case of expansion of an enterprise already located at the site or at least a twenty-five percent (25%) increase in full-time equivalent jobs pursuant to subsection (9) of Section 57-61-15 and will create and maintain at least one (1) net new full-time equivalent job for every Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($ 15,000.00) either loaned or granted for the project. The commitment required by this paragraph (a) shall include any jobs created prior to March 31, 1986 resulting from contracts entered into contingent upon assistance being made available under this chapter. All jobs required to be maintained by this paragraph (a) shall be maintained until such time as any loan made under this chapter for the benefit of a private company is repaid.

(b) A statement that the specific improvements are necessary for the efficient and cost-effective operation of the private company, together with supporting financial and engineering documentation.

(c) Any commitment to pay rental on, or to make loan repayments related to, the improvements to be made with funds loaned to a municipality under this chapter.

(d) If required by the Mississippi Development Authority, a notarized statement of willingness to grant a lien on the facility for which the improvement is being provided, in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority, which lien may be foreclosed in the event that the private company fails to operate in the facility according to the terms of the agreement and/or to collateralize the loan made for the benefit of the private company for which the improvement is being provided in an amount and manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority. In the event the contractual agreement is to be entered into with a department or subsidiary of the United States government, the Mississippi Development Authority shall determine that the governmental unit will operate the proposed project for a sufficient number of years to retire the loan based on increased revenue estimates by the University Research Center and any agreement entered into shall reflect that the interest paid on any loan for such purpose shall be included in Mississippi's contributory value in the project. In the event the private company requesting the assistance is a subsidiary of another corporation, if required by the Mississippi Development Authority, any contractual agreement entered into shall also require the parent company to unconditionally warrant the performance of the subsidiary in carrying out the terms of the agreement or it shall require the subsidiary and/or the parent company to pledge assets in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority and/or to collateralize the loan in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority to ensure the performance of the terms of the contract.

(2) Upon receipt of the letter of intent from a private company, the municipality may apply to the Mississippi Development Authority for a loan or grant. The application from the municipality shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) A statement of the purpose of the proposed loan or grant, including a list of eligible items and the cost of each.

(b) A statement showing the sources of funding for the entire project, including the private company's or governmental unit's investment in the project and any public and other private sources of funding.

(c) A certified copy of the signed letter of intent from a private company or governmental unit, as specified in this section.

(d) Evidence that there will be a private match of at least Three Dollars ($ 3.00) for every One Dollar ($ 1.00) of state assistance, except:

(i) In the case of ports the private match will be at least Two Dollars ($ 2.00) for every One Dollar ($ 1.00) of state assistance; and

(ii) In the case where the Mississippi Development Authority determines that a private company is a high technology enterprise the private match will be at least Two Dollars ($ 2.00) for every One Dollar ($ 1.00) of state assistance.

The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish criteria for determining whether a private company is a high technology enterprise.

(e) Demonstration that the private company is financially sound and is likely to fulfill the commitments made in its letter of intent.

(f) A proposed timetable for the provision of the improvements.

(g) Evidence that the project will be expeditiously carried out and completed as planned.

(h) A demonstration that insufficient local capital improvement funds at reasonable rates and terms are available within the necessary time to provide the needed improvement on public property. This includes local funds available through issuance of bonds or other means, state funds available through existing programs, and available federal program funds such as community development block grant funds, urban development action grant funds, and economic development administration funds.

(i) A demonstration that insufficient private funds are available at reasonable rates and terms within the necessary time to fund improvement on property owned by the private company.

(3) The Mississippi Development Authority shall consider grant and loan applications based on the following criteria:

(a) The number of net new full-time equivalent jobs that will be provided and the amount of additional state and local tax revenue estimated by the University Research Center to be directly generated by the private company's new investment, and additionally, as to loan applications by state agencies, the extent to which shipping through the port will be increased by the proposed port development projects, the degree to which jobs will be increased in the port area and the impact on port revenues.

(b) The ability to repay the principal and interest, in the case of a loan, based on increased revenue estimates and any revenue-producing provision of a contractual agreement.

(c) The increase in the employment base of the state.

The Mississippi Development Authority and the University Research Center may use the resources and capabilities of the planning and development districts in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(4) No loan shall be made in excess of the amounts which can be repaid with the increased revenues estimated by the University Research Center, provided that this subsection (4) shall not apply to loans in connection with a United States Navy home port.

(5)(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter, an agency of the State of Mississippi operating a state-owned port, and hereinabove identified as a “ municipality ” and “ governmental unit ” for purposes of this chapter, may make application for a loan or grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter. In addition, a public agency operating a port bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, which shall be considered to be a “ municipality ” or a “ governmental unit ” for the purposes of this chapter, may make application for a loan or grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter from funds other than those funds authorized for a state-owned port under paragraph (e)(iii) of Section 57-61-11 . The application shall be initiated by submission of a letter of intent to engage in a project or projects for the purpose of effecting enlargement and improvement in all facilities used and useful in attracting international and foreign commerce through the port. Projects eligible for inclusion in the letter of intent may include, but not be restricted to:

(i) Dredging and deepening the access channel and harbor basin of the port;

(ii) Effecting the enlargement of the land area of the port by reclamation;

(iii) Construction and installation of piling, bulkheads, docks, wharves, warehouses and appurtenances; and

(iv) Acquisition of facilities and equipment for handling bulk and containerized cargo.

(b) With respect to a state-owned port bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, the letter of intent shall include the following information and any other information required by the Mississippi Development Authority:

(i) Present and future annual tonnages expected as a result of the improvements.

(ii) Reasons why present facilities are inadequate to enable the port to compete, including limitations imposed by insufficient depth of channel and basin.

(iii) Increased channel and basin depths necessary to accommodate modern shipping.

(iv) Comparison of the percentage of the world's cargo shipping that can now be accommodated with what could be accommodated with project improvements.

(v) Economic contribution to the region and state resulting from increased shipping activity.

(vi) Statement of degree to which port revenues are expected to be increased as a result of projects.

(vii) Financial data of port activities, including cost of project, degree of federal funding available and required local participation.

On or before January 1, 1989, a state-owned port described in this paragraph (b) shall submit to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee of the Mississippi Legislature a comprehensive, written report updating for each committee the information listed in items (i) through (vii) of this paragraph (b) with particular emphasis on the economic contribution to the region and state by shipping activity at the port; on financial data with respect to the degree of federal funding available and local participation in funding port activities; and on progress made in dredging and completing other improvements necessary to accommodate modern shipping.

(c) The Mississippi Development Authority shall consider grant and loan applications based on the following:

(i) The extent to which shipping through the port will be increased by the proposed projects.

(ii) The degree to which jobs will be increased in the port area.

(iii) Impact on port revenues.

(iv) The ability of the port to repay interest and principal in the case of a loan.

(6) A municipality may apply to the Mississippi Development Authority for a grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter, and the Mississippi Development Authority may award grants to a municipality subject to limitations contained in this chapter. The application shall be initiated by submission of a letter of intent to engage in a project or projects for the purpose of providing improvements necessary to accommodate a United States Navy home port.

(7) The Legislature hereby finds and determines that financing facilities necessary to accommodate a Navy home port serves a valid public purpose in that a Navy home port will significantly contribute to the employment base of the state which is in great need of assistance; provided, that in the event such facilities are no longer required for use by the Navy as a home port, such facilities shall revert as provided in Section 59-9-21 .

(8) Notwithstanding any provision or requirement of this chapter to the contrary, a municipality may make application for a loan under this chapter, in an amount not to exceed Five Million Dollars ($ 5,000,000.00), for the purpose of acquiring and developing land to be used as a technology/industrial park for which there is a binding commitment by one or more private companies to create and maintain not less than an aggregate of three hundred (300) jobs meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority. Such a commitment by a private company shall not disqualify the private company from obtaining assistance under this section. The match requirements of this section shall not apply to any loan made pursuant to this subsection (8).

(9) Notwithstanding any provision or requirement of this chapter to the contrary, a municipality operating a county-owned port or municipally owned port may make application for a loan under this chapter, in an amount not to exceed Three Million Dollars ($ 3,000,000.00), for the purpose of acquiring land, buildings and other improvements and for repairing, renovating, maintaining and improving such a port.

(10)(a) A municipality is authorized to negotiate a contract for the acquisition, construction and erection of a project or any portion of a project hereunder where a municipality finds that, because of the particular nature of a project or any portion thereof, it would be in the best public interest of the municipality to negotiate.

(b) Contracts by a private company for the acquisition, construction or erection of a project which receives assistance under this chapter shall be effected in the manner prescribed by law for public contracts, unless the Mississippi Development Authority makes a written finding that, because of special circumstances with respect to the projects or any portion thereof, it would better serve the public interest or more effectively achieve the purposes of this chapter to enter into such contracts based on negotiation.

(11) A municipality is authorized upon such terms and conditions as the municipality may deem advisable, provided such terms and conditions shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, to (a) acquire, whether by construction, purchase, gift or lease, all of or any portion of a project hereunder; (b) to lease or sell to others all of or any portion of a project hereunder; and (c) to lend to the private company the proceeds of the loan from the board to such municipality.

(12) All agreements between a municipality and a private company related directly or indirectly to a project or a portion of a project to be funded in whole or in part under this chapter are subject to approval by the Mississippi Development Authority.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-26-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 10 / Section 26-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-26-1
Status: in_force

As used in Sections 57-26-1 through 57-26-5 , the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Approved project costs ” means actual costs incurred by an approved participant for land acquisition, construction, engineering, design and other costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority relating to a tourism project; however, for the purposes of a tourism project described in paragraph (d)(iv) of this section, such costs include only those incurred after January 1, 2011, relating to the hotel portion of the project consisting of facilities used for lodging and common areas in that portion of the project. All costs must be verified by an independent third party approved by the MDA. An approved participant shall pay the costs for the third-party verification of costs. Approved project costs may not increase regardless of the actual costs incurred by the project.

(b) “ Approved participant ” means a person, corporation or other entity issued a certificate by the Mississippi Development Authority under Section 57-26-5 .

(c) “ MDA ” means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(d) “ Tourism project ” shall include any of the following as may be approved by the MDA:

(i) Theme parks, water parks, entertainment parks or outdoor adventure parks, cultural or historical interpretive educational centers or museums, motor speedways, indoor or outdoor entertainment centers or complexes, convention centers, professional sports facilities, spas, attractions created around a natural phenomenon or scenic landscape and marinas open to the public with a minimum private investment of not less than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00);

(ii) A hotel with a minimum private investment of Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority, and having a minimum private investment of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) per guest room which amount shall be included within the minimum private investment of Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00);

(iii) A public golf course with a minimum private investment of Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00);

(iv) A full service hotel with a minimum private investment of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority, and having a minimum private investment of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) per guest room or suite which amount shall be included within the minimum private investment of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), a minimum of twenty-five (25) guest rooms or suites, and guest amenities such as restaurants, spas and other amenities as determined by the Mississippi Development Authority; however, in a county in which the Grammy Museum Mississippi or the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center is located, in a county in which the Saenger Theater and the main campus of a state institution of higher learning are located, and in the downtown historic district of the city in which the NWCC Performing Arts Center is located, the minimum private investment per guest room or suite shall be One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) which amount shall be included within the minimum private investment of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00);

(v) A tourism attraction located within an “entertainment district” as defined in Section 17-29-3 that is open to the public, has seating to accommodate at least forty (40) persons, is open at least five (5) days per week from at least 6:00 p.m. until midnight, serves food and beverages, and provides live entertainment at least three (3) nights per week;

(vi) A cultural retail attraction;

(vii) A tourism attraction located within a historic district where the district is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, where the tourism attraction is open to the public, has seating to accommodate at least forty (40) persons, is open at least five (5) days per week from at least 6:00 p.m. until midnight, serves food and beverages, and provides live entertainment at least three (3) nights per week;

(viii) A tourism attraction, located in a county bordered by the Mississippi River and including Interstate 69 and U.S. Highways 3, 4 and 61, with a minimum investment of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) and subject to an urban renewal plan that redevelops two (2) hotels, a golf course and clubhouse, a shooting range and a convention center and develops an entertainment center and waterpark, together with other attraction-related amenities, on an area not less than two thousand (2,000) acres.

The term “tourism project” does not include any licensed gaming establishment owned, leased or controlled by a business, corporation or entity having a gaming license issued under Section 75-76-1 et seq. ; however, the term “ tourism project ” may include a project described in this paragraph (d) that is owned, leased or controlled by such a business, corporation or entity or in which the business, corporation or entity has a direct or indirect financial interest if the project is in excess of development that the State Gaming Commission requires for the issuance or renewal of a gaming license and is not part of a licensed gaming establishment in which gaming activities are conducted.

The term “tourism project” does not include any facility within the project whose primary business is retail sales or any expansions of existing projects; however, pro shops, souvenir shops, gift shops, concessions and similar retail activities, and cultural retail attractions may be included within the definition of the term “tourism project.” In addition, retail activities, regardless of whether the primary business is retail sales, that are part of a resort development may be included within the definition of “tourism project.”

(e) “ Resort development ” means a travel destination development with a minimum private investment of One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) and which consists of (i) a hotel with a minimum of two hundred (200) guest rooms or suites and having a minimum private investment of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) per guest room or suite, and (ii) guest amenities such as restaurants, golf courses, spas, fitness facilities, entertainment activities and other amenities as determined by the MDA. Not more than an amount equal to forty percent (40%) of the private investment required by this paragraph may be expended on facilities to house retail activity.

(f) “ Cultural retail attraction ” means a project which combines destination shopping with cultural or historical interpretive elements specific to Mississippi with a minimum private investment of Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority and which:

(i) Is located in a qualified resort area as defined in Section 67-1-5 ;

(ii) Is a part of a master-planned development with a total investment of not less than One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000.00) in land, buildings, architecture, engineering, fixtures, equipment, furnishings, amenities and other related soft costs approved by the Mississippi Development Authority;

(iii) Has a minimum of fifty (50) retail tenants with a minimum of three hundred thousand (300,000) square feet of heated and cooled space; and

(iv) Has a minimum investment of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in one or more of the following:

1. Art created by Mississippi artists or portraying themes specific to Mississippi;

2. Memorabilia, signage or historical markers which serve to promote the State of Mississippi;

3. Audio/visual equipment used to showcase Mississippi artists;

4. A minimum of one thousand two hundred fifty (1,250) square feet of heated and cooled space available to the Mississippi Development Authority or its assignee for a period of not less than ten (10) years.

(g) “ Retail activity ” means businesses whose inventory consists primarily of upscale name brands or their equivalent as determined by the MDA.

(h) “ State ” means the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 32 / Section 55-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-9
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Mineral Resources Institute, hereinafter referred to as MMRI, is hereby established. The MMRI shall be under the management and control of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning. The principal offices of the MMRI shall be located at the University of Mississippi. The MMRI shall be organized to coordinate mining and mineral research, planning and development with the appropriate disciplines in other institutions of higher learning and other state, federal and private agencies concerned with the development and conservation of the mineral resources of the state.

(2) It shall be the function and duties of the MMRI to:

(a) Conduct basic and applied research for the development and conservation of mineral resources, including but not limited to mining, land reclamation and disposal of waste material;

(b) Assist and support mining and mineral related research programs at the various institutions of higher learning;

(c) Assist and consult with state and local agencies in planning the development and conservation of mineral resources;

(d) Maintain liaison with private industry and appropriate state and local agencies to promote industrial development and conservation of mineral resources and plan, initiate and maintain a program of cooperative training between private industry and the academic and technical institutions of the state;

(e) Disseminate new information and facilitate transfer and application of new technologies as they are developed; and

(f) Negotiate and administer contracts with private, local, regional, state and federal agencies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-36 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 33 / Section 61-36
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-36
Status: repealed

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Fourteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($14,500,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making grants to municipalities through a Development Infrastructure Grant Fund to complete infrastructure related to new or expanded industry.

(2) [Repealed]

(3) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize the monies transferred from the Housing Development Revolving Loan Fund and not more than One Hundred Nine Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($109,100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making grants or loans to municipalities through an equipment and public facilities grant and loan fund to aid in infrastructure-related improvements as determined by the Mississippi Development Authority, the purchase of equipment and in the purchase, construction or repair and renovation of public facilities. Any bonds previously issued for the Development Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program which have not been loaned or applied for are eligible to be administered as grants or loans. In making grants and loans under this section, the Mississippi Development Authority shall attempt to provide for an equitable distribution of such grants and loans among each of the congressional districts of this state in order to promote economic development across the entire state.

The requirements of Section 57-61-9 shall not apply to any grant made under this subsection. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish criteria and guidelines to govern grants made pursuant to this subsection.

(4) [Repealed]

(5)(a) The Mississippi Development Authority may establish a Capital Access Program and may contract with any financial institution to participate in the program upon such terms and conditions as the authority shall consider necessary and proper. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish loss reserve accounts at financial institutions that participate in the program and require payments by the financial institution and the borrower to such loss reserve accounts. All monies in such loss reserve accounts is the property of the Mississippi Development Authority.

(b) Under the Capital Access Program a participating financial institution may make a loan to any borrower the Mississippi Development Authority determines to be qualified under rules and regulations adopted by the authority and be protected against losses from such loans as provided in the program. Under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Mississippi Development Authority, a participating financial institution may submit claims for the reimbursement for losses incurred as a result of default on loans by qualified borrowers.

(c) Under the Capital Access Program a participating financial institution may make a loan that is secured by the assignment of the proceeds of a contract between the borrower and a public entity if the Mississippi Development Authority determines the loan to be qualified under the rules and regulations adopted by the authority. Under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Mississippi Development Authority, a participating financial institution may submit an application to the authority requesting that a loan secured pursuant to this paragraph be funded under the Capital Access Program.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority may utilize not more than One Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,550,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making payments to loan loss reserve accounts established at financial institutions that participate in the Capital Access Program established by the Mississippi Development Authority; however, any portion of the bond proceeds authorized to be utilized by this paragraph that are not utilized for making payments to loss reserve accounts may be utilized by the Mississippi Development Authority to advance funds to financial institutions that participate in the Capital Access Program pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(6) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting Warren County, Mississippi, in the continuation and completion of the study for the proposed Kings Point Levee.

(7) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of developing a long-range plan for coordinating the resources of the state institutions of higher learning, the community and junior colleges, the Mississippi Development Authority and other state agencies in order to promote economic development in the state.

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall use not more than One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of providing assistance to municipalities that have received Community Development Block Grant funds for repair, renovation and other improvements to buildings for use as community centers. Assistance provided to a municipality under this subsection shall be used by the municipality to match such Community Development Block Grant funds. The maximum amount of assistance that may be provided to a municipality under this subsection shall not exceed Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) in the aggregate.

(9) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting in paying the costs of constructing a new spillway and related bridge and dam structures at Lake Mary in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, including construction of a temporary dam and diversion canal, removing existing structures, removing and stockpiling riprap, spillway construction, dam embankment construction, road access, constructing bridges and related structures, design and construction engineering and field testing.

(10) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting the City of Holly Springs, Mississippi, in providing water and sewer and other infrastructure services in the Marshall, Benton and Tippah Counties area.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-125-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 77 / Section 125-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-125-1
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Construction costs ” means actual costs incurred for a project that has been certified by the MMEIA as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f) (xxxiii) for construction under a material purchase certificate issued by the Department of Revenue.

(b) “ MDA ” means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(c) “ MMEIA ” means the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority.

(d) “ MMEIA construction rebate project ” or “ project ” means any project that has been certified by the MMEIA as a project as defined in Section 57-75-5(f) (xxxiii).
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-25 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 4 / Section 10-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-25
Status: in_force

It is the further intention of this article that the initial capital base of the corporation be raised from a combination of private foundation grants, any funds available from various federal programs, and such funds as may be appropriated by the state. Additional funding of the corporation may be derived from the sale of debenture bonds or long-term funding from the sale of the corporation's commercial paper and notes. Such additional funding and any guaranty executed by the corporation of any loan or investment, and any other obligations incurred by the corporation, shall be based solely on the credit of the corporation and shall not pledge or loan the credit of the state in aid of any person, association or corporation. Funds of the corporation shall be primarily invested in amortized loans of ten (10) years or shorter maturity. If feasible and possible, all loans extended by the corporation shall be made in participation with existing banks or other financial institutions.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-79-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 71 / Section 79-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-79-7
Status: in_force

There is hereby authorized the creation of the Mississippi Small Town Development Program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-123-3 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 65 / Section 123-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-123-3
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(a) “ Destination marketing organization ” means special local governmental units created by local and private laws of the State of Mississippi for the purpose of tourism promotion, funded by special local tax levies, and staffed with professionals engaged in out-of-state tourism marketing and tourism product development for municipalities, counties and/or regions.

(b) “ Marketing activities ” means multimedia marketing and advertising, including digital media, broadcast media and printed media, including travel publications, production, travel market sector analysis, consumer travel sentiment, public relations, communication strategy, direct sales bookings, group tour bookings, tourism development and administrative costs to execute marketing activities related to the business disruption effects of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 as expressed in Section 57-123-1 .

(2)(a) There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the “Mississippi Tourism Recovery Fund,” which shall consist of funds made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source designated for deposit into such fund. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the General Fund of the state. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be used by the Department of Finance and Administration, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the purposes provided in this section. Monies in the fund shall be disbursed in compliance with the guidelines, guidance, rules, regulations and/or other criteria, as may be amended from time to time, of the United States Department of the Treasury regarding the use of monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. If on December 1, 2020, there are unexpended monies in the fund, those monies shall be transferred to the Unemployment Compensation Fund. Monies in the fund shall be disbursed by the Department of Finance and Administration as follows:

(i) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be disbursed to the Tate County Economic Development Foundation for use by the foundation to assist the Senatobia Chamber of Commerce Main Street program in paying the costs of marketing activities;

(ii) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00) shall be disbursed to the Brookhaven Tourism Council to assist in paying the costs of marketing activities; and

(iii) Thirteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($13,500,000.00) shall be disbursed as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (2) to assist destination marketing organizations in paying costs for marketing activities.

(b)(i) The Department of Finance and Administration shall determine, in conjunction with the destination marketing organizations, the allocations of monies provided under paragraph (a)(iii) of this subsection (2) as follows:

1. Not more than Nine Million Seven Hundred Forty-four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-eight Dollars ($9,744,788.00) of such monies shall be allocated to destination marketing organizations in a manner that will provide monies to a destination marketing organization in an amount equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the destination marketing organization's marketing and advertising expenditures during the 2019 fiscal year, and

2. Not more than Three Million Seven Hundred Fifty-five Thousand Two Hundred Thirteen Dollars ($3,755,213.00) of such monies shall be allocated to destination marketing organizations based on the proportion that a destination marketing organization's contribution toward total tourism visitors in the state according to the 2019 Fiscal Year Visit Mississippi Visitors Profile Report bears to all destination marketing organizations' contributions toward total tourism visitors in the state according to the 2019 Fiscal Year Visit Mississippi Visitors Profile Report. However, a destination marketing organization shall not receive an amount less than Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) under this item 2.

(ii) Within fifteen (15) days of enactment, the Department of Finance and Administration shall distribute the funds allocated under paragraph (b)(i) to eligible destination marketing organizations. Before receiving funds under this paragraph (b), a destination marketing organization must certify to the Department of Finance and Administration that:

1. The funds will only be used for marketing activities, and

2. The funds will be expended before December 30, 2020, unless otherwise authorized by federal law or guidance.

(iii) Destination marketing organizations receiving funds under this paragraph (b) shall keep and maintain records related to expenditures. Destination marketing organizations receiving funds under this paragraph (b) shall also track impacts of their marketing activities through special levy tax receipts, hotel occupancy indicators, other tourism industry metrics, and analytics from marketing campaigns, as appropriate. Such destination marketing organizations shall provide quarterly reports on expenditures and economic impacts of their marketing activities to the Department of Finance and Administration, the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Department of Audit.

(iv) Subject to applicable purchasing laws, destination marketing organizations will give preference, when available and practical, to Mississippi-based companies for any new contracts entered into for marketing activities.

(3) The Department of Finance and Administration and the Department of Audit shall have all powers necessary for the implementation of this section.

(4) If the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of the Treasury, or the Office of Inspector General of any other federal agency having oversight over the use of monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the CARES Act (a) determines that the Department of Finance and Administration or recipient has expended or otherwise used any of the funds appropriated to the Department of Finance and Administration under this article for any purpose that is not in compliance with the guidelines, guidance, rules, regulations and/or other criteria, as may be amended from time to time, by the United States Department of the Treasury regarding the use of monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the CARES Act, and (b) the State of Mississippi is required to repay the federal government for any of those funds that the Office of the Inspector General determined were expended or otherwise used improperly by the Department of Finance and Administration or recipient, then the Department of Finance and Administration or recipient, as the case may be, that expended or otherwise used those funds improperly shall be required to pay the amount of those funds to the State of Mississippi for repayment to the federal government.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-27-3 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 10 / Section 27-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-27-3
Status: in_force

Any group of interested citizens and residents of counties comprising a natural promotion region of this state, and who are residents of counties representing not less than fifty percent (50%) of the total population of the region, but in no event less than fifteen (15) individuals, who shall form a nonprofit corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Mississippi Nonprofit Corporation Law for the purpose of promoting tourist travel and vacation business in the counties comprising the natural promotion region, and whose charter, bylaws and purpose are in compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the board pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, may apply for recognition by the board as a regional tourist promotion council under this chapter. Provided, that upon approval of the board, a county in one (1) natural promotion region of the state may be included within the area comprising a different and adjacent natural promotion region if, and when, experience establishes that the county tourist values are more closely identified with the other region.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 9 / Section 44-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-5
Status: in_force

There is established a local governments freight rail service project revolving loan program to be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development for the purpose of making loans to counties and municipalities that the governing authorities of such counties and municipalities may utilize to make loans to railroad corporations for freight rail service projects.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-67-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 63 / Section 67-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-67-7
Status: in_force

(1) There is created within the Office of the Governor a division to be known as the “Mississippi Superconducting Super Collider Authority” for the performance of essential public functions. The Governor shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, an executive director, who shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Governor. The Governor shall prescribe the duties of and fix the compensation of such executive director. The executive director shall have the authority to employ and dismiss employees of the authority.

(2) The executive director shall administer, manage and direct the affairs and business of the authority, subject to the policies, direction, control and approval of the Governor.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-115-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 73 / Section 115-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-115-5
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The MDA must provide a standardized format for applying for the Mississippi small business investment credit authorized under this chapter, and for certification as a Mississippi small business investment company.

(b) An applicant for certification as a primary Mississippi small business investment company must:

(i) File an application with the MDA which shall include a business plan detailing:

1. The approximate percentage of designated capital the applicant will invest in qualified businesses by the second, fourth and sixth anniversaries of its allocation date;

2. The industry segments listed by the North American Industrial Classification System code and percentage of designated capital in which the applicant will invest; and

3. The number of jobs that will be created or retained as a result of the applicant's investments once all designated capital has been invested. A job shall be considered created or retained if the job pays one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the state average annual wage and is maintained for at least three (3) years. The application shall project, at a minimum, that one (1) job shall be created or maintained for each One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) in credits awarded to the participating investors of the Mississippi small business investment company;

(ii) Pay a nonrefundable application fee of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) at the time of filing the application;

(iii) Submit as part of its application an audited balance sheet that contains an unqualified opinion of an independent certified public accountant issued not more than thirty-five (35) days before the application date that states that the applicant has an equity capitalization of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) or more in the form of unencumbered cash, marketable securities or other liquid assets; and

(iv) Have at least two (2) principals or persons, at least one (1) of which is primarily located in Mississippi, employed or engaged to manage the funds who each have a minimum of five (5) years of money management experience in the venture capital or private equity or lending industry.

(c) An applicant for certification as a secondary Mississippi small business investment company must:

(i) File an application with the MDA which shall include a business plan detailing:

1. The approximate percentage of designated capital the applicant will invest in qualified businesses by the second, fourth and sixth anniversaries of its allocation date;

2. The industry segments listed by the North American Industrial Classification System code and percentage of designated capital in which the applicant will invest; and

3. The number of jobs that will be crested or retained as a result of the applicant's investments once all designated capital has been invested. A job shall be considered created or retained if the job pays one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the state average annual wage and is maintained for at least three (3) years. The application shall project, at a minimum, that one (1) job shall be created or maintained for each One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) in credits awarded to the participating investors of the Mississippi small business investment company;

(ii) Pay a nonrefundable application fee of Three Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($3,750.00) at the time of filing the application;

(iii) Submit as part of its application an audited balance sheet that contains an unqualified opinion of an independent certified public accountant issued not more than thirty-five (35) days before the application date that states that the applicant has an equity capitalization of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) or more in the form of unencumbered cash, marketable securities or other liquid assets;

(iv) Demonstrate that fifty percent (50%) of all secondary investment company investments have been in Mississippi, and all of the applicant's employees have lived in Mississippi for at least two (2) years prior to the application being filed, and that those who are employed or engaged to manage the funds have a minimum of three (3) years of money management experience in the venture capital or private equity or lending industry; and

(v) Submit as part of its application a signed and notarized partnership agreement letter with a certified primary Mississippi small business investment company.

(d)(i) Any participating partner or individual in a certified secondary small business investment company that successfully participated in the initial authorization and allocation of credits in 2012, and which is a partner in a submitted application for credits allocated in subsection (4)(b) of this section, while partnered with the same primary small business investment company from the previous 2012 allocation, shall have the requirements in paragraph (c)(iii) and (iv) of this subsection waived as having been completed through the previous allocation.

(ii) Any participating partner or individual in a certified secondary small business investment company that successfully participated in the authorization and allocation of credits in 2018, and which is a partner in a submitted application for credits allocated in subsection (4)(c) of this section, while partnered with the same primary small business investment company from the previous 2018 allocation, shall have the requirements in paragraph (c)(iii) and (iv) of this subsection waived as having been completed through the previous allocation.

(e) The MDA may certify partnerships, corporations, trusts, or limited liability companies, organized on a for-profit basis, which submit an application to be designated as a Mississippi small business investment company if the applicant is located, headquartered, and licensed or registered to conduct business in Mississippi, has as its primary business activity the investment of cash in qualified businesses, and meets all of the criteria of this section.

(f) The MDA must:

(i) Review the organizational documents of each applicant for certification and the business history of each applicant;

(ii) Determine whether the applicant has satisfied all of the requirements of this section; and

(iii) Determine whether the officers and the board of directors, general partners, trustees, managers or members are trustworthy and are thoroughly acquainted with the requirements of this chapter.

(g) Within forty-five (45) days after the receipt of an application, the MDA may issue the certification or refuse the certification and may communicate in detail to the applicant the grounds for refusal, including suggestions for the removal of the grounds.

(h) The MDA must begin accepting applications to become a Mississippi small business investment company not later than August 1, 2012, for credits allocated in subsection (4)(a) of this section, not later than August 1, 2018, for credits allocated in subsection (4)(b) of this section, and not later than August 1, 2023, for credits allocated in subsection (4)(c) of this section.

(i) Certification by the MDA and operation of a primary Mississippi small business investment company is not subject to completion of any relationship or agreement with a secondary Mississippi small business investment company, and it is not the intent of this chapter to compel any such agreement.

(2)(a) An insurance company or affiliate of an insurance company must not, directly or indirectly:

(i) Beneficially own, whether through rights, options, convertible interest, or otherwise, fifteen percent (15%) or more of the voting securities or other voting ownership interest of a Mississippi small business investment company;

(ii) Manage a Mississippi small business investment company; or

(iii) Control the direction of investments for a Mississippi small business investment company.

(b) A Mississippi small business investment company may obtain one or more guaranties, indemnities, bonds, insurance policies, or other payment undertakings for the benefit of its participating investors from any entity, except that in no case can more than one (1) participating investor of a Mississippi small business investment company on an aggregate basis with all affiliates of the participating investor, be entitled to provide guaranties, indemnities, bonds, insurance policies, or other payment undertakings in favor of the participating investors of a Mississippi small business investment company and its affiliates in this state.

(c) This subsection (2) does not preclude a participating investor, insurance company or other party from exercising its legal rights and remedies, including, without limitation, interim management of a Mississippi small business investment company, in the event that a Mississippi small business investment company is in default of its statutory obligations or its contractual obligations to a participating investor, insurance company, or other party, or from monitoring a Mississippi small business investment company to ensure its compliance with this chapter or disallowing any investments that have not been approved by the MDA.

(d) The MDA may contract with an independent third party to review, investigate, and certify that the applications comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(3)(a) At the time of its investment of designated capital a participating investor shall earn a vested credit against the participating investor's state premium tax liability in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital in a Mississippi small business investment company, subject to the limits imposed by this section.

(b) From and after January 1, 2015, a participating investor may claim the credit allocated in subsection (4)(a) of this section as follows: For each taxable year from 2015 through 2019, an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital.

(c) From and after January 1, 2021, a participating investor may claim the credit allocated in subsection (4)(b) of this section as follows:

(i) For each taxable year from 2021 through 2025, an amount equal to sixteen and sixty-six one-hundredths percent (16.66%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital; and

(ii) For the 2026 taxable year, an amount equal to sixteen and seven-tenths percent (16.7%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital.

(d) From and after January 1, 2027, a participating investor may claim the credit allocated in subsection (4)(c) of this section as follows:

(i) For each taxable year from 2027 through 2031, an amount equal to sixteen and sixty-six one-hundredths percent (16.66%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital; and

(ii) For the 2032 taxable year, an amount equal to sixteen and seven-tenths percent (16.7%) of the participating investor's investment of designated capital.

(e) The credit for any taxable year cannot exceed the state premium tax liability of the participating investor for the taxable year. If the amount of the credit exceeds the state premium tax liability of the participating investor for the taxable year, the excess is an investment tax credit carryover for five (5) years from the date the credit is first able to be utilized in accordance with paragraph (a) of this subsection (3).

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the granting of any credits against the insurance premium tax shall not affect the insurance premium tax receipts distributed pursuant to Sections 83-1-37 , 83-1-39 , 83-34-39 , 45-11-5 and 21-29-233 , which shall take priority over all other distributions of premium tax receipts and shall be calculated based upon gross insurance premium tax liability before the application of the tax credits.

(g) A participating investor claiming a credit under this chapter is not required to pay any additional retaliatory tax under Section 27-15-123 levied as a result of claiming the credit.

(h) A participating investor is not required to reduce the amount of tax pursuant to the state premium tax liability included by the participating investor in connection with ratemaking for any insurance contract written in this state because of a reduction in the participating investor's tax liability based on the tax credit allowed under this chapter.

(i) If the taxes paid by a participating investor with respect to its state premium tax liability constitute a credit against any other tax that is imposed by this state, the participating investor's credit against the other tax shall not be reduced by virtue of the reduction in the participating investor's tax liability based on the tax credit allowed under this chapter.

(j) Final decertification of a Mississippi small business investment company under this chapter prior to such Mississippi small business investment company meeting the requirements of Section 57-115-7(1)(a)(ii) , shall result in the disallowance and the recapture of all of the credits allocated to its participating investors under this chapter. Once a Mississippi small business investment company has satisfied the requirements of Section 57-115-7(1)(a)(ii) , any subsequent decertification shall not cause the disallowance or recapture of any credits allocated to its participating investors under this chapter.

(k) The credits allowed under this chapter are not transferable; however, a participating investor may transfer credits to an affiliated insurance company provided it gives prior written notice of such transfer to the MDA and the Department of Revenue.

(4)(a)(i) Through January 1, 2018, the aggregate amount of investment tax credits that may be allocated to all participating investors of Mississippi small business investment companies under this section shall not exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00), and no Mississippi small business investment company, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file credit allocation claims that exceed Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00).

(ii) The Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits allocated in this paragraph (a) shall be divided into a primary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified primary Mississippi small business investment companies and a secondary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified secondary Mississippi small business investment companies. The secondary tax credit pool shall be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) of the total Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits. Secondary Mississippi small business investment companies may not apply for more than One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) worth of credits on a single application. A certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company may apply for additional tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool, if the credits are available, after fifty percent (50%) of its previously allocated credits are used in qualified investments.

(iii) If there are any tax credits remaining available for allocation in the secondary tax credit pool on August 1, 2013, those available tax credits shall revert to the primary tax credit pool and be made available to primary Mississippi small business investment companies according to rules and regulations promulgated by the MDA. Prior to August 1, 2013, primary Mississippi small business investment companies, including any wholly owned subsidiary company, shall be prohibited from making application to the MDA to be additionally certified as a secondary Mississippi small business investment company for purposes of the tax credits allocated in this paragraph (a) and prohibited from applying for any tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool. A certified primary Mississippi small business investment company may have ownership equity in a certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company, but the equity interest owned by the certified primary Mississippi small business investment company shall not exceed forty percent (40%).

(b)(i) From and after July 1, 2018, through January 1, 2023, an additional aggregate amount of investment tax credits may be allocated to all participating investors of Mississippi small business investment companies under this section. The amount so allocated shall not exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00), and no Mississippi small business investment company, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file credit allocation claims on the additional aggregate amount of tax credits that exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00).

(ii) The Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits allocated in this paragraph (b) shall be divided into a primary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified primary Mississippi small business investment companies and a secondary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified secondary Mississippi small business investment companies. The secondary tax credit pool shall be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) of the total Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits. Secondary Mississippi small business investment companies may not apply for more than One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) worth of credits on a single application. A certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company may apply for additional tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool, if the credits are available, after fifty percent (50%) of its previously allocated credits are used in qualified investments.

(iii) If there are any tax credits remaining available for allocation in the secondary tax credit pool on August 1, 2019, those available tax credits shall revert to the primary tax credit pool and be made available to primary Mississippi small business investment companies according to rules and regulations promulgated by the MDA. Prior to August 1, 2022, primary Mississippi small business investment companies, including any wholly owned subsidiary company, shall be prohibited from making application to the MDA to be additionally certified as a secondary Mississippi small business investment company for purposes of the tax credits allocated in this paragraph (b) and prohibited from applying for any tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool. A certified primary Mississippi small business investment company may have ownership equity in a certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company, but the equity interest owned by the certified primary Mississippi small business investment company shall not exceed forty percent (40%).

(c)(i) From and after July 1, 2023, an additional aggregate amount of investment tax credits may be allocated to all participating investors of Mississippi small business investment companies under this section. The amount so allocated shall not exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00), and no Mississippi small business investment company, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file credit allocation claims on the additional aggregate amount of tax credits that exceed Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00).

(ii) The Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits allocated in this paragraph (c) shall be divided into a primary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified primary Mississippi small business investment companies and a secondary tax credit pool which may be applied for by certified secondary Mississippi small business investment companies. The secondary tax credit pool shall be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) of the total Forty-five Million Dollars ($45,000,000.00) aggregate amount of investment tax credits. Secondary Mississippi small business investment companies may not apply for more than One Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,750,000.00) worth of credits on a single application. A certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company may apply for additional tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool, if the credits are available, after fifty percent (50%) of its previously allocated credits are used in qualified investments.

(iii) If there are any tax credits remaining available for allocation in the secondary tax credit pool on August 1, 2024, those available tax credits shall revert to the primary tax credit pool and be made available to primary Mississippi small business investment companies according to rules and regulations promulgated by the MDA. Prior to August 1, 2027, primary Mississippi small business investment companies, including any wholly owned subsidiary company, shall be prohibited from making application to the MDA to be additionally certified as a secondary Mississippi small business investment company for purposes of the tax credits allocated in this paragraph (c) and prohibited from applying for any tax credit allocation from the secondary tax credit pool. A certified primary Mississippi small business investment company may have ownership equity in a certified secondary Mississippi small business investment company, but the equity interest owned by the certified primary Mississippi small business investment company shall not exceed forty percent (40%).

(d) Credits must be allocated to investors in the order that the credit allocation claims are filed with the MDA.

(e) Any credit allocation claims filed with the MDA before the initial credit allocation claim filing date will be deemed to have been filed on the initial credit allocation claim filing date. The MDA will set the initial credit allocation claim filing date to be not less than one hundred twenty (120) days and not more than one hundred fifty (150) days after the date the MDA begins accepting applications for certification. Credit allocation claims filed on the same day with the MDA must be treated as having been filed contemporaneously.

(f) If two (2) or more Mississippi small business investment companies file credit allocation claims with the MDA on behalf of their respective participating investors on the same day and the aggregate amount of credit allocation claims exceeds the aggregate limit of credits authorized under this subsection (4) or the lesser amount of credits that remain unallocated on that day, then the credits shall be allocated among the participating investors who filed on that day on a pro rata basis with respect to the amounts claimed. The pro rata allocation for any one (1) participating investor is the product obtained by multiplying a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the credit allocation claim filed on behalf of a participating investor and the denominator of which is the total of all credit allocation claims filed on behalf of all participating investors on that day, by the aggregate limit of credits authorized under this subsection (4) or the lesser amount of credits that remain unallocated on that day.

(g) Within ten (10) business days after the MDA receives a credit allocation claim filed by a Mississippi small business investment company on behalf of one or more of its participating investors, the MDA may notify the Mississippi small business investment company of the amount of credits allocated to each of the participating investors of that Mississippi small business investment company. In the event a Mississippi small business investment company does not receive an investment of designated capital from each participating investor required to earn the amount of credits allocated to the participating investor within ten (10) business days of the Mississippi small business investment company's receipt of notice of allocation, then it shall notify the MDA on or before the next business day, and the credits allocated to the participating investor of the Mississippi small business investment company will be forfeited. The MDA may then reallocate those forfeited credits among the participating investors of the other Mississippi small business investment companies on a pro rata basis with respect to the credit allocation claims filed on behalf of the participating investors. The MDA may levy a fine of not more than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) on any participating investor that does not invest the full amount of designated capital required to fund the credits allocated to it by the MDA in accordance with the credit allocation claim filed on its behalf.

(h) No participating investor, on an aggregate basis with its affiliates, may file an allocation claim for more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the maximum amount of investment tax credits authorized under this subsection (4), regardless of whether the claim is made in connection with one or more Mississippi small business investment companies.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-114-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 75 / Section 114-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-114-5
Status: in_force

Business or industrial enterprises wishing to apply for the mFlex tax incentive authorized by Sections 1 through 10 of this act shall make application to the authority, on a form prescribed thereby; provided that the application shall, at a minimum, contain:

(a) A brief overview of the applicant's business or industry, including its formation type (e.g., corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, etc.), its date of incorporation or formation thereof, and the location of its principal headquarters, together with its principal place of business in the state, if the applicant already has one or more facilities located in the state;

(b) The location of the selected project site or locations of selected project sites, if multiple locations will be involved;

(c) A description of the proposed project;

(d) The amount of the qualified investment proposed to be made as a result of the proposed project, including a breakout of projected expenditures for manufacturing machinery, nonmanufacturing equipment and component building materials to establish and equip the proposed project;

(e) If the proposed project will be an expansion of an existing business or industrial operation, the current number of base full-time jobs;

(f) The number of new full-time jobs proposed to be created as a result of the proposed project;

(g) The average employer wage proposed to be paid by the applicant for new full-time jobs disclosed in the application;

(h) A description of benefits, including but not limited to, health, dental and/or vision insurance, retirement savings account, etc. made available to employees, as well as a description of any employees to whom such benefits are not made available (e.g., part-time employees);

(i) The length of time necessary for the applicant to meet its qualified investment and new full-time job creation projections;

(j) A list of all affiliates of the qualified business or industry known at the time of the application, including the Federal Employer Identification Number for each such affiliate, which have or are expected to have any state tax liability that may be offset by all or some portion of the mFlex tax incentives awarded to the qualified business or industry;

(k) An acknowledgment that the applicant, if awarded an mFlex tax incentive pursuant to Sections 1 through 10 of this act, will be required to provide the annual report prescribed by Section 7 of this act to demonstrate the actual amount of its qualified investment, including actual expenditures on manufacturing machinery, nonmanufacturing equipment and component building materials, and the number of new full-time jobs created and maintained as a result of the project; and

(l) Any other information as may be requested by the authority.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 25 / Section 61-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-9
Status: in_force

(1) Any private company desiring assistance from a municipality shall submit to the municipality a letter of intent to locate, expand or build a facility entirely or partially within the municipality or on land the municipality is authorized to own or otherwise acquire. The letter of intent shall include:

(a) Except for strategic investments, a commitment that the proposed project will create and maintain a minimum of ten (10) net new full-time equivalent jobs, will create and maintain at least a five percent (5%) increase in full-time equivalent jobs in the case of expansion of an enterprise already located at the site or at least a twenty-five percent (25%) increase in full-time equivalent jobs pursuant to subsection (9) of Section 57-61-15 and will create and maintain at least one (1) net new full-time equivalent job for every Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($ 15,000.00) either loaned or granted for the project. The commitment required by this paragraph (a) shall include any jobs created prior to March 31, 1986 resulting from contracts entered into contingent upon assistance being made available under this chapter. All jobs required to be maintained by this paragraph (a) shall be maintained until such time as any loan made under this chapter for the benefit of a private company is repaid.

(b) A statement that the specific improvements are necessary for the efficient and cost-effective operation of the private company, together with supporting financial and engineering documentation.

(c) Any commitment to pay rental on, or to make loan repayments related to, the improvements to be made with funds loaned to a municipality under this chapter.

(d) If required by the Mississippi Development Authority, a notarized statement of willingness to grant a lien on the facility for which the improvement is being provided, in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority, which lien may be foreclosed in the event that the private company fails to operate in the facility according to the terms of the agreement and/or to collateralize the loan made for the benefit of the private company for which the improvement is being provided in an amount and manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority. In the event the contractual agreement is to be entered into with a department or subsidiary of the United States government, the Mississippi Development Authority shall determine that the governmental unit will operate the proposed project for a sufficient number of years to retire the loan based on increased revenue estimates by the University Research Center and any agreement entered into shall reflect that the interest paid on any loan for such purpose shall be included in Mississippi's contributory value in the project. In the event the private company requesting the assistance is a subsidiary of another corporation, if required by the Mississippi Development Authority, any contractual agreement entered into shall also require the parent company to unconditionally warrant the performance of the subsidiary in carrying out the terms of the agreement or it shall require the subsidiary and/or the parent company to pledge assets in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority and/or to collateralize the loan in an amount and a manner to be determined by the Mississippi Development Authority to ensure the performance of the terms of the contract.

(2) Upon receipt of the letter of intent from a private company, the municipality may apply to the Mississippi Development Authority for a loan or grant. The application from the municipality shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) A statement of the purpose of the proposed loan or grant, including a list of eligible items and the cost of each.

(b) A statement showing the sources of funding for the entire project, including the private company's or governmental unit's investment in the project and any public and other private sources of funding.

(c) A certified copy of the signed letter of intent from a private company or governmental unit, as specified in this section.

(d) Evidence that there will be a private match of at least Three Dollars ($ 3.00) for every One Dollar ($ 1.00) of state assistance, except:

(i) In the case of ports the private match will be at least Two Dollars ($ 2.00) for every One Dollar ($ 1.00) of state assistance; and

(ii) In the case where the Mississippi Development Authority determines that a private company is a high technology enterprise the private match will be at least Two Dollars ($ 2.00) for every One Dollar ($ 1.00) of state assistance.

The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish criteria for determining whether a private company is a high technology enterprise.

(e) Demonstration that the private company is financially sound and is likely to fulfill the commitments made in its letter of intent.

(f) A proposed timetable for the provision of the improvements.

(g) Evidence that the project will be expeditiously carried out and completed as planned.

(h) A demonstration that insufficient local capital improvement funds at reasonable rates and terms are available within the necessary time to provide the needed improvement on public property. This includes local funds available through issuance of bonds or other means, state funds available through existing programs, and available federal program funds such as community development block grant funds, urban development action grant funds, and economic development administration funds.

(i) A demonstration that insufficient private funds are available at reasonable rates and terms within the necessary time to fund improvement on property owned by the private company.

(3) The Mississippi Development Authority shall consider grant and loan applications based on the following criteria:

(a) The number of net new full-time equivalent jobs that will be provided and the amount of additional state and local tax revenue estimated by the University Research Center to be directly generated by the private company's new investment, and additionally, as to loan applications by state agencies, the extent to which shipping through the port will be increased by the proposed port development projects, the degree to which jobs will be increased in the port area and the impact on port revenues.

(b) The ability to repay the principal and interest, in the case of a loan, based on increased revenue estimates and any revenue-producing provision of a contractual agreement.

(c) The increase in the employment base of the state.

The Mississippi Development Authority and the University Research Center may use the resources and capabilities of the planning and development districts in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(4) No loan shall be made in excess of the amounts which can be repaid with the increased revenues estimated by the University Research Center, provided that this subsection (4) shall not apply to loans in connection with a United States Navy home port.

(5)(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter, an agency of the State of Mississippi operating a state-owned port, and hereinabove identified as a “ municipality ” and “ governmental unit ” for purposes of this chapter, may make application for a loan or grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter. In addition, a public agency operating a port bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, which shall be considered to be a “ municipality ” or a “ governmental unit ” for the purposes of this chapter, may make application for a loan or grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter from funds other than those funds authorized for a state-owned port under paragraph (e)(iii) of Section 57-61-11 . The application shall be initiated by submission of a letter of intent to engage in a project or projects for the purpose of effecting enlargement and improvement in all facilities used and useful in attracting international and foreign commerce through the port. Projects eligible for inclusion in the letter of intent may include, but not be restricted to:

(i) Dredging and deepening the access channel and harbor basin of the port;

(ii) Effecting the enlargement of the land area of the port by reclamation;

(iii) Construction and installation of piling, bulkheads, docks, wharves, warehouses and appurtenances; and

(iv) Acquisition of facilities and equipment for handling bulk and containerized cargo.

(b) With respect to a state-owned port bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, the letter of intent shall include the following information and any other information required by the Mississippi Development Authority:

(i) Present and future annual tonnages expected as a result of the improvements.

(ii) Reasons why present facilities are inadequate to enable the port to compete, including limitations imposed by insufficient depth of channel and basin.

(iii) Increased channel and basin depths necessary to accommodate modern shipping.

(iv) Comparison of the percentage of the world's cargo shipping that can now be accommodated with what could be accommodated with project improvements.

(v) Economic contribution to the region and state resulting from increased shipping activity.

(vi) Statement of degree to which port revenues are expected to be increased as a result of projects.

(vii) Financial data of port activities, including cost of project, degree of federal funding available and required local participation.

On or before January 1, 1989, a state-owned port described in this paragraph (b) shall submit to the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee of the Mississippi Legislature a comprehensive, written report updating for each committee the information listed in items (i) through (vii) of this paragraph (b) with particular emphasis on the economic contribution to the region and state by shipping activity at the port; on financial data with respect to the degree of federal funding available and local participation in funding port activities; and on progress made in dredging and completing other improvements necessary to accommodate modern shipping.

(c) The Mississippi Development Authority shall consider grant and loan applications based on the following:

(i) The extent to which shipping through the port will be increased by the proposed projects.

(ii) The degree to which jobs will be increased in the port area.

(iii) Impact on port revenues.

(iv) The ability of the port to repay interest and principal in the case of a loan.

(6) A municipality may apply to the Mississippi Development Authority for a grant under the terms and provisions of this chapter, and the Mississippi Development Authority may award grants to a municipality subject to limitations contained in this chapter. The application shall be initiated by submission of a letter of intent to engage in a project or projects for the purpose of providing improvements necessary to accommodate a United States Navy home port.

(7) The Legislature hereby finds and determines that financing facilities necessary to accommodate a Navy home port serves a valid public purpose in that a Navy home port will significantly contribute to the employment base of the state which is in great need of assistance; provided, that in the event such facilities are no longer required for use by the Navy as a home port, such facilities shall revert as provided in Section 59-9-21 .

(8) Notwithstanding any provision or requirement of this chapter to the contrary, a municipality may make application for a loan under this chapter, in an amount not to exceed Five Million Dollars ($ 5,000,000.00), for the purpose of acquiring and developing land to be used as a technology/industrial park for which there is a binding commitment by one or more private companies to create and maintain not less than an aggregate of three hundred (300) jobs meeting minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority. Such a commitment by a private company shall not disqualify the private company from obtaining assistance under this section. The match requirements of this section shall not apply to any loan made pursuant to this subsection (8).

(9) Notwithstanding any provision or requirement of this chapter to the contrary, a municipality operating a county-owned port or municipally owned port may make application for a loan under this chapter, in an amount not to exceed Three Million Dollars ($ 3,000,000.00), for the purpose of acquiring land, buildings and other improvements and for repairing, renovating, maintaining and improving such a port.

(10)(a) A municipality is authorized to negotiate a contract for the acquisition, construction and erection of a project or any portion of a project hereunder where a municipality finds that, because of the particular nature of a project or any portion thereof, it would be in the best public interest of the municipality to negotiate.

(b) Contracts by a private company for the acquisition, construction or erection of a project which receives assistance under this chapter shall be effected in the manner prescribed by law for public contracts, unless the Mississippi Development Authority makes a written finding that, because of special circumstances with respect to the projects or any portion thereof, it would better serve the public interest or more effectively achieve the purposes of this chapter to enter into such contracts based on negotiation.

(11) A municipality is authorized upon such terms and conditions as the municipality may deem advisable, provided such terms and conditions shall not be in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, to (a) acquire, whether by construction, purchase, gift or lease, all of or any portion of a project hereunder; (b) to lease or sell to others all of or any portion of a project hereunder; and (c) to lend to the private company the proceeds of the loan from the board to such municipality.

(12) All agreements between a municipality and a private company related directly or indirectly to a project or a portion of a project to be funded in whole or in part under this chapter are subject to approval by the Mississippi Development Authority.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-80-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 67 / Section 80-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-80-9
Status: in_force

(1) Upon the issuance by the MDA of its certificate of public convenience and necessity, designating certain counties as growth and prosperity counties, any approved business enterprise in any such a growth and prosperity county or any approved business enterprise located within an eligible supervisors district within eight (8) miles of the boundary of the county that meets the criteria of Section 57-80-7(1)(b) shall be exempt from all local taxes levied by the county and all state taxes for a period of ten (10) years or until December 31, 2029, whichever occurs first, and upon consent of any municipality within such county or within such supervisors district and not more than eight (8) miles from the boundary of the county that meets the criteria of Section 57-80-7(1)(b) , shall be exempt from all local taxes levied by such municipality for a period of ten (10) years or until December 31, 2033, whichever occurs first; however, if the business enterprise is located in an area that has been declared by the Governor to be a disaster area and as a direct result of the disaster the business enterprise is unable to utilize the exemption from state taxes, the MDA may extend the duration of the exemption from state taxes for not more than two (2) years or until December 31, 2033, whichever occurs first. Any business enterprise that has property or equipment purchased utilizing the state tax exemption that is damaged or destroyed as a result of the disaster may purchase replacement equipment and component building materials exempt from sales and use tax.

(2) The following conditions, along with any other conditions the MDA shall promulgate from time to time by rule or regulation, shall apply to such exemptions: (a) any exemption provided under this chapter is nontransferable and cannot be applied, used or assigned to any other person or business or tax account; (b) no approved business enterprise may claim or use the exemption granted under this chapter unless that enterprise is in full compliance with all state and local tax laws, and related ordinances and resolutions; and (c) the approved business enterprise must enter into an agreement with the MDA which sets out, at a minimum the performance requirements of the approved business enterprise during the term of the exemption and provisions for the recapture of all or a portion of the taxes exempted if the performance requirements of the approved business enterprise are not met.

(3) Upon entering into such an agreement, the MDA shall forward such agreement to the Department of Revenue and the affected local taxing authorities so that the exemption can be implemented. The Department of Revenue shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, for the implementation of both local and state exemptions granted under this chapter.

(4) Any business enterprise that relocates its present operation and jobs to a growth and prosperity county or an eligible supervisors district and not more than eight (8) miles from the boundary of the county that meets the criteria of Section 57-80-7(1)(b) from another county in the state shall not receive any of the exemptions granted in this chapter.

(5) If the annualized unemployment rate in a growth and prosperity county falls below one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the state's annualized unemployment rate for three (3) consecutive calendar years and less than thirty percent (30%) of the population of the county is at or below the federal poverty level for three (3) consecutive years according to the most recent official data compiled by the United States Census Bureau, the tax exemptions authorized under this chapter may not be granted to additional business enterprises.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-3 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 55 / Section 61-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-3
Status: in_force

It is the purpose of this chapter to promote business and economic development in the State of Mississippi through job producing programs and by providing loans to municipalities as defined in this chapter; to assist in securing strategic investments and/or investments in small communities by private companies locating or expanding in the state; to promote the improvement and enhancement of facilities utilized in foreign and domestic commerce to and from Mississippi through state-owned ports and to provide loans to state agencies as defined in this chapter, for the construction and development of harbor, channel and port facilities; and to authorize the issuance of state bonds or notes for funding of said programs.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-69-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 69 / Section 69-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-69-5
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created the Office of Minority Business Enterprises of the Mississippi Development Authority under the Mississippi Development Authority. The Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority shall appoint an executive director for the office. The executive director may employ a staff subject to approval of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority as necessary to carry out the purposes of this office.

(2) The office shall perform the following:

(a) Develop, plan and implement programs to provide an opportunity for participation by qualified minority owned businesses in public works and the process by which goods and services are procured by state agencies and educational institutions from the private sector;

(b) Develop a comprehensive plan encouraging that qualified minority owned businesses are provided an opportunity to participate in public contracts for public works and commodities and services;

(c) Identify barriers to equal participation by qualified minority owned businesses in all state agency and educational institution contracts;

(d) Develop and maintain a central minority business enterprise certification list for all state agencies and educational institutions;

(e) Adopt rules for the implementation of this chapter;

(f) Develop and maintain a central minority business enterprise certification program;

(g) Develop and maintain a central minority business enterprise supplier certification program;

(h) Submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature outlining the progress and economic impact on the public and private sectors of implementing this chapter;

(i) Increase efforts to inform minority businesses of state government procurement procedures and policies;

(j) Serve as the principal advocate in the state on behalf of minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and provide advice in the consideration of administrative requirements and legislation that affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(k) Evaluate the effectiveness of efforts of state agencies and other entities to assist minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and make appropriate recommendations to assist the development and strengthening of minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(l) Determine the availability of financial and other resources to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and recommend methods for:

(i) Increasing the availability of equity capital and other forms of financial assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(ii) Generating markets for the goods and services of minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(iii) Providing more effective education, training and management and technical assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers; and

(iv) Providing assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers in complying with federal, state and local laws;

(m) Serve as a focal point for receiving complaints and suggestions concerning state government policies and activities that affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(n) Develop and advocate proposals for changes in state policies and activities that adversely affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(o) Provide to legislative committees and state agencies information on the effects of proposed policies or actions that affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(p) Enlist the assistance of public and private agencies, businesses and other organizations in disseminating information about state programs and services that benefit minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and information regarding means by which minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers can use those programs and services;

(q) Identify sources of financial assistance for minority business enterprises, match minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers with sources of financial assistance, and assist minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers with the preparation of applications for loans from governmental or private sources;

(r) Sponsor meetings, to the extent practicable in cooperation with public and private educational institutions, to provide training and disseminate information beneficial to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(s) Assist minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers in their dealings with federal, state and local governmental agencies and provide information regarding governmental requirements affecting minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(t) Develop and implement programs to encourage governmental agencies, public sector business associations and other organizations to provide useful services to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(u) Use available resources within the state, such as minority business enterprise development centers, educational institutions and nonprofit associations, to coordinate the provision of management and technical assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers in a systematic manner;

(v) Publish newsletters, brochures and other documents containing information useful to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(w) Identify successful minority business enterprise assistance programs provided by other states and determine the feasibility of adapting those programs for implementation in Mississippi;

(x) Establish an outreach program to make the existence of the office known to minority business enterprises, minority business enterprise suppliers and potential clients throughout the state; and

(y) Identify potential business opportunities for minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and develop programs to maximize those opportunities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-39-109 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 15 / Section 39-109
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-39-109
Status: in_force

Any agency or institution designated by the division and funded in whole or in part by public funds shall appoint a coordinator from existing staff who shall advise the agency head or institution head on energy-related matters. The coordinator shall confer and cooperate with the board in developing, implementing and evaluating an energy management plan for the agency or institution. Any public school district may appoint a coordinator from its existing staff.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-17 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 15 / Section 43-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-17
Status: in_force

The Southern Rail Commission is granted the authority to execute and enter into contracts with parties for the purpose of construction of any related infrastructure and/or operations of intercity passenger rail service subject to the approval of any affected railroad and other interested party. The Southern Rail Commission is granted the authority to prepare grant applications related to the establishment or maintenance of passenger rail service, enter into operating and other contractual agreements with providers of passenger rail service, and enter into agreements with owners or operators of railway tracks in order to provide for upgrades necessary to establish or maintain passenger rail service.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-77-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 77 / Section 77-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-77-7
Status: in_force

A taxpayer is entitled to a credit, determined in accordance with Section 27-7-22.11 , which must be applied against the state tax liability which may be imposed on the taxpayer.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 7 / Section 44-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-5
Status: in_force

There is established a local governments freight rail service project revolving loan program to be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development for the purpose of making loans to counties and municipalities that the governing authorities of such counties and municipalities may utilize to make loans to railroad corporations for freight rail service projects.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-93-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 71 / Section 93-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-93-1
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “ Existing industry ” means a manufacturing enterprise that has been operating in this state, including any federal Indian reservation located within the geographical boundary of this state, for not less than two (2) consecutive years that meets minimum criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(b) “ Long-term fixed assets ” means assets that:

(i) Through new technology will improve an enterprise's productivity and competitiveness; and

(ii) Meet criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(c) “ MDA ” means the Mississippi Development Authority.

(2)(a) There is established the Mississippi Existing Industry Productivity Loan Program to be administered by the MDA for the purpose of providing loans to:

(i) Existing industries to deploy long-term fixed assets that through new technology will improve productivity and competitiveness;

(ii) Existing industries for the purchase or refinancing of land, buildings or equipment; and

(iii) Counties or incorporated municipalities to assist existing industries in deploying long-term fixed assets that through new technology will improve productivity and competitiveness and to assist existing industries through the purchase of land, buildings and equipment.

(b)(i) An existing industry that accepts a loan under this program shall not reduce employment by more than twenty percent (20%) through the use of the long-term fixed assets for which the loan is granted.

(ii) An existing industry that accepts assistance from a county or incorporated municipality through a loan made under this program shall not reduce employment by more than twenty percent (20%) through the use of the long-term fixed assets for which the assistance is granted.

(c) An existing industry desiring a loan under this section must submit an application to the MDA. The application shall include:

(i) A description of the purpose for which the loan is requested;

(ii) The amount of the loan requested;

(iii) The estimated total cost of the project;

(iv) A two-year business plan for the project;

(v) Financial statements or tax returns for the existing industry for the two (2) years immediately prior to the application;

(vi) Credit reports on all persons or entities with a twenty percent (20%) or greater interest in the enterprise; and

(vii) Any other information required by the MDA.

(d) A county or incorporated municipality desiring a loan under this section must submit an application to the MDA. The application shall include:

(i) A description of the purpose for which the loan is requested;

(ii) The amount of the loan requested;

(iii) The estimated total cost of the project;

(iv) A statement showing the sources of funding for the project;

(v) A two-year business plan for the project;

(vi) Financial statements or tax returns for the existing industry for the two (2) years immediately prior to the application;

(vii) Credit reports on all persons or entities with a twenty percent (20%) or greater interest in the existing industry;

(viii) Any commitment by the existing industry to pay rental on, or to make loan repayments related to, the assistance; and

(ix) Any other information required by the MDA.

(e) The MDA shall require that binding commitments be entered into requiring that:

(i) The minimum requirements of this section and such other requirements as the MDA considers proper shall be met; and

(ii) If such requirements are not met, all or a portion of the funds provided by this section as determined by the MDA shall be repaid.

(f) The rate of interest on loans under this section shall be set by the MDA.

(g) The MDA shall have all powers necessary to implement and administer the program established under this section, and the MDA shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, necessary for the implementation of this section. However, in making loans under this section, the MDA shall attempt to provide for an equitable distribution of such loans among each of the congressional districts of this state in order to promote economic development across the entire state.

(3)(a) There is created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the “Mississippi Existing Industry Productivity Loan Fund,” which shall consist of funds appropriated or otherwise made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source designated for deposit into such fund. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be used by the MDA for the purposes described in this section.

(b) Monies in the fund which are derived from the proceeds of general obligation bonds may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the MDA for the administration of the various grant, loan and financial incentive programs administered by the MDA. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained by the MDA. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds that are deposited into the fund. Reimbursements made under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

(c)(i) There is hereby created the Mississippi Existing Industry Productivity Loan Program Bond Sinking Fund from which the principal and interest on bonds whose proceeds are deposited into the Mississippi Existing Industry Productivity Loan Fund and utilized to provide loans authorized under this section, shall be repaid. Unexpended amounts remaining in the bond sinking fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any interest earned or investment earnings on amounts in the bond sinking fund shall be deposited into the bond sinking fund. At any time when the funds required to pay the principal and interest on bonds whose proceeds are deposited into the Mississippi Existing Industry Productivity Loan Fund and are utilized to provide loans under this section are more than the amount available in the bond sinking fund, the Legislature shall appropriate the balance of the funds necessary to pay the principal and interest on such bonds.

(ii) Money repaid on loans authorized under this section that are derived from the proceeds of bonds deposited into the Mississippi Existing Industry Productivity Loan Fund shall be deposited into the Mississippi Existing Industry Productivity Loan Program Bond Sinking Fund.

(4)(a) A county that receives a loan under this section shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the homestead exemption annual tax loss reimbursement to which it may be entitled under Section 27-33-77 . An incorporated municipality that receives a loan under this section shall pledge for repayment of the loan any part of the sales tax revenue distribution to which it may be entitled under Section 27-65-75 . Each loan agreement shall provide for monthly payments, semiannual payments or other periodic payments, the annual total of which shall not exceed the annual total for any other year of the loan by more than fifteen percent (15%). The loan agreement shall provide for the repayment of all funds received within not more than twenty (20) years from the date of project completion.

(b) The State Auditor, upon request of the MDA, shall audit the receipts and expenditures of a county or an incorporated municipality whose loan payments appear to be in arrears, and if he finds that the county or municipality is in arrears in such payments, he shall immediately notify the Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration who shall withhold all future payments to the county of homestead exemption reimbursements under Section 27-33-77 and all sums allocated to the county or the municipality under Section 27-65-75 until such time as the county or the municipality is again current in its loan payments as certified by the MDA. In addition, the State Auditor may conduct performance and compliance audits under this chapter according to Section 7-7-211(o) and may bill the oversight agency.

(c) Evidences of indebtedness which are issued pursuant to this chapter shall not be deemed indebtedness within the meaning specified in Section 21-33-303 with regard to cities or incorporated towns, and in Section 19-9-5 with regard to counties.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-69-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 65 / Section 69-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-69-5
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created the Office of Minority Business Enterprises of the Mississippi Development Authority under the Mississippi Development Authority. The Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority shall appoint an executive director for the office. The executive director may employ a staff subject to approval of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority as necessary to carry out the purposes of this office.

(2) The office shall perform the following:

(a) Develop, plan and implement programs to provide an opportunity for participation by qualified minority owned businesses in public works and the process by which goods and services are procured by state agencies and educational institutions from the private sector;

(b) Develop a comprehensive plan encouraging that qualified minority owned businesses are provided an opportunity to participate in public contracts for public works and commodities and services;

(c) Identify barriers to equal participation by qualified minority owned businesses in all state agency and educational institution contracts;

(d) Develop and maintain a central minority business enterprise certification list for all state agencies and educational institutions;

(e) Adopt rules for the implementation of this chapter;

(f) Develop and maintain a central minority business enterprise certification program;

(g) Develop and maintain a central minority business enterprise supplier certification program;

(h) Submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature outlining the progress and economic impact on the public and private sectors of implementing this chapter;

(i) Increase efforts to inform minority businesses of state government procurement procedures and policies;

(j) Serve as the principal advocate in the state on behalf of minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and provide advice in the consideration of administrative requirements and legislation that affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(k) Evaluate the effectiveness of efforts of state agencies and other entities to assist minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and make appropriate recommendations to assist the development and strengthening of minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(l) Determine the availability of financial and other resources to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and recommend methods for:

(i) Increasing the availability of equity capital and other forms of financial assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(ii) Generating markets for the goods and services of minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(iii) Providing more effective education, training and management and technical assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers; and

(iv) Providing assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers in complying with federal, state and local laws;

(m) Serve as a focal point for receiving complaints and suggestions concerning state government policies and activities that affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(n) Develop and advocate proposals for changes in state policies and activities that adversely affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(o) Provide to legislative committees and state agencies information on the effects of proposed policies or actions that affect minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(p) Enlist the assistance of public and private agencies, businesses and other organizations in disseminating information about state programs and services that benefit minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and information regarding means by which minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers can use those programs and services;

(q) Identify sources of financial assistance for minority business enterprises, match minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers with sources of financial assistance, and assist minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers with the preparation of applications for loans from governmental or private sources;

(r) Sponsor meetings, to the extent practicable in cooperation with public and private educational institutions, to provide training and disseminate information beneficial to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(s) Assist minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers in their dealings with federal, state and local governmental agencies and provide information regarding governmental requirements affecting minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(t) Develop and implement programs to encourage governmental agencies, public sector business associations and other organizations to provide useful services to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(u) Use available resources within the state, such as minority business enterprise development centers, educational institutions and nonprofit associations, to coordinate the provision of management and technical assistance to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers in a systematic manner;

(v) Publish newsletters, brochures and other documents containing information useful to minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers;

(w) Identify successful minority business enterprise assistance programs provided by other states and determine the feasibility of adapting those programs for implementation in Mississippi;

(x) Establish an outreach program to make the existence of the office known to minority business enterprises, minority business enterprise suppliers and potential clients throughout the state; and

(y) Identify potential business opportunities for minority business enterprises and minority business enterprise suppliers and develop programs to maximize those opportunities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-47-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 26 / Section 47-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-47-7
Status: in_force

The commission shall submit its budget of estimated expenditures to the legislative budget office for presentation to the legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 25 / Section 55-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-5
Status: in_force

(1) In order to promote the orderly modernization and simplification of the law of the state and more complete utilization of the law resources of this state, the Mississippi Law Research Institute, hereafter referred to as MLRI, is hereby established as an official advisory law revision, research and reform agency of the state of Mississippi under the management and control of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning as an academic department of the University of Mississippi Law Center.

(2) The general purpose of the MLRI shall be to promote and encourage the clarification and simplification of the law of Mississippi, to improve the administration of justice, and to carry on scholarly legal research in anticipation of legal requirements for the efficient utilization and conservation of the natural resources of the state and the promotion of social, agricultural, industrial and commercial development. To that end it shall be the duty of said institute (a) to consider needed improvements in both substantive and adjective law and to make recommendations concerning same to the legislature; (b) to examine and study the law of Mississippi and Mississippi jurisprudence with the object of discovering defects and inequities and of recommending needed reforms; (c) to receive and consider suggestions from judges, justices, public officials, lawyers and the public generally as to defects and anachronisms in the law; (d) to recommend from time to time such changes in the law as it deems necessary to reform or eliminate antiquated and inequitable rules of law and to bring the law of the state, both civil and criminal, into harmony with modern conditions; (e) to perform research and prepare reports on matters of law in support of the legislature; (f) to advise and assist local governments, state agencies and associations by performing law research and preparation of related material, such as statutes and ordinances, reports, manuals, handbooks, codes, and conducting courses of instruction for the more efficient application of law and utilization of governmental resources; and (g) to prepare and publish texts and other scholarly works on law and procedure to aid in the administration of government within the state. In addition, the MLRI in cooperation with the legislature and its staff shall devise and carry out a plan for continuous and comprehensive improvement in the utility and quality of the Mississippi Code. The MLRI shall coordinate its efforts with the work of the American Law Institute, National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, the law and government institutes of the several states, and other such organizations in aid of the mission of said institute.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-115-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 69 / Section 115-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-115-9
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The MDA, or at its discretion the department, shall conduct an annual review of each Mississippi small business investment company to determine if a Mississippi small business investment company is abiding by the requirements of certification and to ensure that no investment has been made in violation this chapter. The cost of the annual review must be paid by each Mississippi small business investment company according to a reasonable fee schedule adopted by the MDA and/or the department. In the event the department conducts the annual review, the department shall provide copies of the review to the MDA. The MDA shall provide copies of each Mississippi small business investment company's annual review to the Mississippi small business investment company reviewed.

(b) Any material violation of this chapter, including any material misrepresentation made to the MDA in connection with the application process, may be grounds for decertification of a Mississippi small business investment company and the disallowance of credits under this chapter, provided that in all instances the MDA shall provide notice to the Mississippi small business investment company of the grounds of the proposed decertification. The Mississippi small business investment company shall have at least one hundred twenty (120) days from receipt of notice from the MDA to remedy any violation before the decertification becomes effective.

(c) After a Mississippi small business investment company has invested an amount cumulatively equal to one hundred percent (100%) of its designated capital in qualified investments, provided that the Mississippi small business investment company has met all other requirements under this chapter as of that date, the Mississippi small business investment company shall no longer be subject to regulation by the MDA or the department or the reporting requirements under Section 57-115-7(2) . Upon receiving certification by a Mississippi small business investment company that it has invested an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of its designated capital, the MDA must notify a Mississippi small business investment company within sixty (60) days that it has or has not met the requirements, with a reason for the determination if it has not met the requirements.

(d) The MDA must send written notice of any decertification proceedings to the Department of Revenue, the department, and to the address of each participating investor whose tax credit may be subject to recapture or forfeiture, using the address shown on the last filing submitted to the MDA.

(2) All investments by participating investors for which tax credits are awarded under this chapter must be registered or specifically exempt from registration.

(3) After January 1, 2015, the MDA must make an annual report to the Governor, the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. The report must include:

(a) The number of Mississippi small business investment companies holding designated capital;

(b) The amount of designated capital invested in each Mississippi small business investment company;

(c) The cumulative amount that each Mississippi small business investment company has invested as of January 1, 2015, and the cumulative total each year thereafter;

(d) The cumulative amount of follow-on capital that the investments of each Mississippi small business investment company have created in terms of capital invested in qualified businesses at the same time or subsequent to investments made by a Mississippi small business investment company in the businesses by sources other than a Mississippi small business investment company;

(e) The total amount of investment tax credits applied for and allocated under this chapter for each year;

(f) The performance of each Mississippi small business investment company with regard to the requirements for continued certification;

(g) The classification of the companies in which each Mississippi small business investment company has invested according to industrial sector and size of company;

(h) The gross number of jobs created by investments made by each Mississippi small business investment company and the number of jobs retained;

(i) The location of the companies in which each Mississippi small business investment company has invested;

(j) Those Mississippi small business investment companies that have been decertified, including the reasons for decertification; and

(k) Other related information necessary to evaluate the effect of this chapter on economic development.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-75-21 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 75 / Section 75-21
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-75-21
Status: in_force

(1)(a) The authority shall set a goal to expend not less than ten percent (10%) of the total amounts expended by the authority on planning, construction, training, research, development, testing, evaluation, personal services, procurement, and for the operation and maintenance of any facilities or activities controlled by such authority, with minority small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. For the purpose of determining the total amounts expended with such minority small business concerns, credit shall be given for that portion of any prime contract entered into with the authority which inures to the benefit of such minority small business concern as a subcontractor thereunder.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “socially and economically disadvantaged individuals” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C.S., Section 637(d) ) and relevant subcontracting regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

(c) For the purposes of this section, the term “minority small business concern” means any small business concern:

(i) Which is at least fifty-one percent (51%) owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; or, in the case of any publicly owned businesses, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the stock of which is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and

(ii) Whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of such individuals.

(d) For the purpose of this section, the term “small business concern” shall mean “small business” as the latter term is defined in Section 57-10-155, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(2) In order to comply in a timely manner with its minority small business participation mandate, the authority shall set an annual goal to expend not less than ten percent (10%) of its aggregate yearly expenditures with minority small business concerns.

(3) The authority shall:

(a) Monitor the minority small business concerns assistance programs prescribed in this section.

(b) Review and determine the business capabilities of minority small business concerns.

(c) Establish standards for a certification procedure for minority small business concerns seeking to do business with the authority.

(d) Provide technical assistance services to minority small business concerns. Such technical assistance shall include but not be limited to:

(i) Research;

(ii) Assistance in obtaining bonds;

(iii) Bid preparation;

(iv) Certification of business concerns;

(v) Marketing assistance; and

(vi) Joint venture and capital development.

(e) Develop alternative bidding and contracting procedures for minority small business concerns in conjunction with the State Fiscal Management Board and the Governor's Office of General Services.

(f) Utilize such alternative bidding and contracting procedures in lieu of those prescribed in Title 31, Chapters 5 and 7, Mississippi Code of 1972 , when contracting with minority small business concerns that have qualified to bid for contracts and have satisfied any other disclosure provisions required by the authority.

(g) Be authorized to accept in lieu of any bond otherwise required from minority small business concerns or small business concerns contracting with the authority, in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the total cost of the contracted project, any combination of the following:

(i) Cash;

(ii) Certificates of deposit from any bank or banking corporation insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation;

(iii) Federal treasury bills;

(iv) Letters of credit issued by a bank as that term is defined in Section 81-3-1, Mississippi Code of 1972; or

(v) Surety bonds issued by an insurance company licensed and qualified to do business in the State of Mississippi.

(h) Be authorized, in its discretion, to waive any bond required on any project which does not exceed a total dollar value of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($ 100,000.00). A retainage shall be held by the authority in an amount not to exceed fifteen percent (15%) from each draw according to American Institute of Architects (AIA) standards. Upon satisfactory completion of such project, ten percent (10%) of the total cost of the contract shall be held in an interest-bearing escrow account for one (1) year. Funds deposited in such escrow account shall stand as a surety for any defects in workmanship or materials detected within twelve (12) months of completion. The balance of all monies so escrowed including accrued interest shall be paid to the contractor at the end of such twelve-month period.

(i) Be empowered to provide an incentive of bimonthly payments to any prime contractors utilizing minority small business concerns as subcontractors on twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the total dollar value of any single project or contract.

(j) Submit an annual report on its progress concerning minority small business contracts to the Legislature by January 30 of each year.

(k) Take all steps necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-1-335 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 1 / Section 1-335
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-1-335
Status: in_force

Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall be deemed to be full and complete authority for the exercise of the powers herein granted, but Sections 57-1-307 through 57-1-335 shall not be deemed to repeal or to be in derogation of any existing law of this state.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-33 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 3 / Section 61-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-33
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management of the Governor's Office of General Services shall certify to the Board of Economic Development the amount of money necessary to complete the construction, furnishing and equipping of the Technology Transfer Center at the National Space Technology Laboratory site in Hancock County, which amount shall not be more than Three Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($ 3,200,000.00), and the board shall if funds have not otherwise been made available provide a grant to the bureau for such amount out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued under this chapter. Any funds remaining unexpended upon completion of such project shall be deposited in the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-36 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 35 / Section 61-36
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-36
Status: repealed

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Fourteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($14,500,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making grants to municipalities through a Development Infrastructure Grant Fund to complete infrastructure related to new or expanded industry.

(2) [Repealed]

(3) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize the monies transferred from the Housing Development Revolving Loan Fund and not more than One Hundred Nine Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($109,100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making grants or loans to municipalities through an equipment and public facilities grant and loan fund to aid in infrastructure-related improvements as determined by the Mississippi Development Authority, the purchase of equipment and in the purchase, construction or repair and renovation of public facilities. Any bonds previously issued for the Development Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program which have not been loaned or applied for are eligible to be administered as grants or loans. In making grants and loans under this section, the Mississippi Development Authority shall attempt to provide for an equitable distribution of such grants and loans among each of the congressional districts of this state in order to promote economic development across the entire state.

The requirements of Section 57-61-9 shall not apply to any grant made under this subsection. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish criteria and guidelines to govern grants made pursuant to this subsection.

(4) [Repealed]

(5)(a) The Mississippi Development Authority may establish a Capital Access Program and may contract with any financial institution to participate in the program upon such terms and conditions as the authority shall consider necessary and proper. The Mississippi Development Authority may establish loss reserve accounts at financial institutions that participate in the program and require payments by the financial institution and the borrower to such loss reserve accounts. All monies in such loss reserve accounts is the property of the Mississippi Development Authority.

(b) Under the Capital Access Program a participating financial institution may make a loan to any borrower the Mississippi Development Authority determines to be qualified under rules and regulations adopted by the authority and be protected against losses from such loans as provided in the program. Under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Mississippi Development Authority, a participating financial institution may submit claims for the reimbursement for losses incurred as a result of default on loans by qualified borrowers.

(c) Under the Capital Access Program a participating financial institution may make a loan that is secured by the assignment of the proceeds of a contract between the borrower and a public entity if the Mississippi Development Authority determines the loan to be qualified under the rules and regulations adopted by the authority. Under such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Mississippi Development Authority, a participating financial institution may submit an application to the authority requesting that a loan secured pursuant to this paragraph be funded under the Capital Access Program.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority may utilize not more than One Million Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,550,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making payments to loan loss reserve accounts established at financial institutions that participate in the Capital Access Program established by the Mississippi Development Authority; however, any portion of the bond proceeds authorized to be utilized by this paragraph that are not utilized for making payments to loss reserve accounts may be utilized by the Mississippi Development Authority to advance funds to financial institutions that participate in the Capital Access Program pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection.

(6) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting Warren County, Mississippi, in the continuation and completion of the study for the proposed Kings Point Levee.

(7) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of developing a long-range plan for coordinating the resources of the state institutions of higher learning, the community and junior colleges, the Mississippi Development Authority and other state agencies in order to promote economic development in the state.

(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall use not more than One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of providing assistance to municipalities that have received Community Development Block Grant funds for repair, renovation and other improvements to buildings for use as community centers. Assistance provided to a municipality under this subsection shall be used by the municipality to match such Community Development Block Grant funds. The maximum amount of assistance that may be provided to a municipality under this subsection shall not exceed Seventy-five Thousand Dollars ($75,000.00) in the aggregate.

(9) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting in paying the costs of constructing a new spillway and related bridge and dam structures at Lake Mary in Wilkinson County, Mississippi, including construction of a temporary dam and diversion canal, removing existing structures, removing and stockpiling riprap, spillway construction, dam embankment construction, road access, constructing bridges and related structures, design and construction engineering and field testing.

(10) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of assisting the City of Holly Springs, Mississippi, in providing water and sewer and other infrastructure services in the Marshall, Benton and Tippah Counties area.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-47-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 44 / Section 47-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-47-1
Status: in_force

The Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into by this state with any and all states legally joining therein in accordance with its terms, in the form substantially as follows:

Article I.

Policy and Purpose

There is hereby created the Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Compact. The party states recognize and declare that each state is responsible for providing for the availability of capacity either within or outside the state for disposal of low-level radioactive waste generated within its borders, except for waste generated as a result of defense activities of the federal government or federal research and development activities. They also recognize that the management of low-level radioactive waste is handled most efficiently on a regional basis. The party states further recognize that the Congress of the United States, by enacting the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act ( P.L. 96-573 ), has provided for and encourages the development of low-level radioactive waste compacts as a tool for disposal of such waste. The party states recognize that the safe and efficient management of low-level radioactive waste generated within the region requires that sufficient capacity to dispose of such waste be properly provided.

It is the policy of the party states to: enter into a regional low-level radioactive waste management compact for the purpose of providing the instrument and framework for a cooperative effort, provide sufficient facilities for the proper management of low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, promote the health and safety of the region, limit the number of facilities required to effectively and efficiently manage low-level radioactive waste generated in the region, encourage the reduction of the amounts of low-level waste generated in the region, distribute the costs, benefits and obligations of successful low-level radioactive waste management equitably among the party states, and ensure the ecological and economical management of low-level radioactive wastes.

Implicit in the congressional consent to this compact is the expectation by the Congress and the party states that the appropriate federal agencies will actively assist the compact commission and the individual party states to this compact by:

1. Expeditious enforcement of federal rules, regulations and laws; and

2. Imposing sanctions against those found to be in violation of federal rules, regulations and laws; and

3. Timely inspection of their licensees to determine their capability to adhere to such rules, regulations and laws; and

4. Timely provision of technical assistance to this compact in carrying out their obligations under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act as amended.

Article II.

Definitions

As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:

a. “Commission” or “compact commission” means the Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Commission.

b. “Facility” means a parcel of land, together with the structures, equipment and improvements thereon or appurtenant thereto, which is used or is being developed for the treatment, storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste.

c. “Generator” means any person who produces or possesses low-level radioactive waste in the course of or as an incident to manufacturing, power generation, processing, medical diagnosis and treatment, research, or other industrial or commercial activity. This does not include persons who provide a service to generators by arranging for the collection, transportation, storage or disposal of wastes with respect to such waste generated outside the region.

d. “High-level waste” means irradiated reactor fuel, liquid wastes from reprocessing irradiated reactor fuel and solids into which such liquid wastes have been converted, and other high-level radioactive waste as defined by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

e. “Host state” means any state in which a regional facility is situated or is being developed.

f. “Low-level radioactive waste” or “waste” means radioactive waste not classified as high-level radioactive waste, transuranic waste, spent nuclear fuel or by-product material as defined in Section 11e(2) of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or as may be further defined by federal law or regulation.

g. “Party state” means any state which is a signatory party to this compact.

h. “Person” means any individual, corporation, business enterprise or other legal entity (either public or private).

i. “Region” means the collective party states.

j. “Regional facility” means (1) a facility as defined in this article which has been designated, authorized, accepted or approved by the commission to receive waste or (2) the disposal facility in Barnwell County, South Carolina, owned by the State of South Carolina and as licensed for the burial of low-level radioactive waste on July 1, 1982, but in no event shall this disposal facility serve as a regional facility beyond December 31, 1992.

k. “State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands or any other territorial possession of the United States.

l. “Transuranic wastes” means waste material containing transuranic elements with contamination levels as determined by the regulations of (1) the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission or (2) any host state, if it is an agreement state under Section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

m. “Waste management” means the storage, treatment or disposal of waste.

Article III.

Rights and Obligations

The rights granted to the party states by this compact are additional to the rights enjoyed by sovereign states, and nothing in this compact shall be construed to infringe upon, limit or abridge those rights.

a. Subject to any license issued by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission or a host state, each party state shall have the right to have all wastes generated within its borders stored, treated or disposed of, as applicable, at regional facilities, and additionally shall have the right of access to facilities made available to the region through agreements entered into by the commission pursuant to Article IV(e)(9). The right of access by a generator within a party state to any regional facility is limited by its adherence to applicable state and federal law and regulation.

b. If no operating regional facility is located within the borders of a party state and wastes generated within its borders must therefore be stored, treated, or disposed of at a regional facility in another party state, the party state without such facilities may be required by the host state or states to establish a mechanism which provides compensation for access to the regional facility according to terms and conditions established by the host state or states and approved by a two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote of the commission.

c. Each party state must establish the capability to regulate, license and ensure the maintenance and extended care of any facility within its borders. Host states are responsible for the availability, the subsequent post closure observation and maintenance, and the extended institutional control of their regional facilities, in accordance with the provisions of Article V(b).

d. Each party state must establish the capability to enforce any applicable federal or state laws and regulations pertaining to the packaging and transportation of waste generated within or passing through its borders.

e. Each party state must provide to the commission on an annual basis, any data and information necessary to the implementation of the commission's responsibilities. Each party state shall establish the capability to obtain any data and information necessary to meet its obligation herein defined.

f. Each party state must, to the extent authorized by federal law, require generators within its borders to use the best available waste management technologies and practices to minimize the volumes of wastes requiring disposal.

Article IV.

The Commission

a. There is hereby created the Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Commission, (“the commission” or “compact commission”). The commission shall consist of two (2) voting members from each party state to be appointed according to the laws of each state. The appointing authorities of each state must notify the commission in writing of the identity of its members and any alternates. An alternate may act on behalf of the member only in the member's absence.

b. Each commission member is entitled to one (1) vote. No action of the commission shall be binding unless a majority of the total membership cast their vote in the affirmative, or unless a greater than majority vote is specifically required by any other provision of this compact.

c. The commission must elect from among its members a presiding officer. The commission shall adopt and publish, in convenient form, bylaws which are consistent with this compact.

d. The commission must meet at least once a year and shall also meet upon the call of the presiding officer, by petition of a majority of the party states, or upon the call of a host state. All meetings of the commission must be open to the public.

e. The commission has the following duties and powers:

1. To receive and approve the application of a nonparty state to become an eligible state in accordance with Article VII(b); and

2. To receive and approve the application of an eligible state to become a party state in accordance with Article VII(c); and

3. To submit an annual report and other communications to the governors and to the presiding officer of each body of the legislature of the party states regarding the activities of the commission; and

4. To develop and use procedures for determining, consistent with considerations for public health and safety, the type and number of regional facilities which are presently necessary and which are projected to be necessary to manage waste generated within the region; and

5. To provide the party states with reference guidelines for establishing the criteria and procedures for evaluating alternative locations for emergency or permanent regional facilities; and

6. To develop and adopt, within one (1) year after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d), procedures and criteria for identifying a party state as a host state for a regional facility as determined pursuant to the requirements of this article. In accordance with these procedures and criteria, the commission shall identify a host state for the development of a second regional disposal facility within three (3) years after the commission is constituted as provided for in Article VII(d) and shall seek to ensure that such facility is licensed and ready to operate as soon as required, but in no event later than 1991.

In developing criteria, the commission must consider the following: the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the party states; the existence of regional facilities within each party state; the minimization of waste transportation; the volumes and types of wastes generated within each party state; and the environmental, economic, and ecological impacts on the air, land and water resources of the party states.

The commission shall conduct such hearings, require such reports, studies, evidence and testimony; and do what is required by its approved procedures in order to identify a party state as a host state for a needed facility; and

7. In accordance with the procedures and criteria developed pursuant to Section (e)(6) of this article, to designate, by a two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote, a host state for the establishment of a needed regional facility. The commission shall not exercise this authority unless the party states have failed to voluntarily pursue the development of such facility. The commission shall have the authority to revoke the membership of a party state that willfully creates barriers to the siting of a needed regional facility; and

8. To require of and obtain from party states, eligible states seeking to become party states, and nonparty states seeking to become eligible states, data and information necessary to the implementation of commission responsibilities; and

9. Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, to enter into agreements with any person, state or similar regional body or group of states for the importation of waste into the region and for the right of access to facilities outside the region for waste generated within the region. The authorization to import requires a two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) majority vote of the commission, including an affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located. This shall be done only after an assessment of the affected facilities' capability to handle such wastes; and

10. To act or appear on behalf of any party state or states, only upon written request of both members of the commission for such state or states, as an intervenor or party in interest before Congress, state legislatures, any court of law, or any federal, state or local agency, board or commission which has jurisdiction over the management of wastes. The authority to act, intervene or otherwise appear shall be exercised by the commission only after approval by a majority vote of the commission; and

11. To revoke the membership of a party state in accordance with Article VII(f).

f. The commission may establish any advisory committees as it deems necessary for the purpose of advising the commission on any matters pertaining to the management of low-level radioactive waste.

g. The commission may appoint or contract for and compensate a limited staff necessary to carry out its duties and functions. The staff shall serve at the commission's pleasure irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit laws of any of the party states or the federal government and shall be compensated from funds of the commission. In selecting any staff, the commission shall assure that the staff has adequate experience and formal training to carry out such functions as may be assigned to it by the commission. If the commission has a headquarters it shall be in a party state.

h. Funding for the commission shall be provided as follows:

1. Each eligible state, upon becoming a party state, shall pay Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($ 25,000.00) to the commission which shall be used for costs of the commission's services.

2. Each state hosting a regional disposal facility shall annually levy special fees or surcharges on all users of such facility, based upon the volume of wastes disposed of at such facilities, the total of which:

(a) Must be sufficient to cover the annual budget of the commission; and

(b) Must represent the financial commitments of all party states to the commission; and

(c) Must be paid to the commission, provided, however, that each host state collecting such fees or surcharges may retain a portion of the collection sufficient to cover its administrative costs of collection, and that the remainder be sufficient only to cover the approved annual budgets of the commission.

3. The commission must set and approve its first annual budget as soon as practicable after its initial meeting. Host states for disposal facilities must begin imposition of the special fees and surcharges provided for in this section as soon as practicable after becoming party states, and must remit to the commission funds resulting from collection of such special fees and surcharges within sixty (60) days of their receipt.

i. The commission must keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. An independent certified public accountant shall annually audit all receipts and disbursements of commission funds, and submit an audit report to the commission. Such audit report shall be made a part of the annual report of the commission required by Article IV(e)(3).

j. The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions any and all donations, grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services (conditional or otherwise) from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or interstate agency, or from any institution, person, firm or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. The nature, amount and condition, if any, attendant upon any donation or grant accepted pursuant to this paragraph together with the identity of the donor, grantor or lender, shall be detailed in the annual report of the commission.

k. The commission is not responsible for any costs associated with (1) the creation of any facility, (2) the operation of any facility, (3) the stabilization and closure of any facility, (4) the postclosure observation, and maintenance of any facility, or (5) the extended institutional control, after postclosure observation and maintenance of any facility.

l. As of January 1, 1986, the management of wastes at regional facilities is restricted to wastes generated within the region, and to wastes generated within nonparty states when authorized by the commission pursuant to the provisions of this compact. After January 1, 1986, the commission may prohibit the exportation of waste from the region for purposes of management.

m.1. The commission herein established is a legal entity separate and distinct from the party states, capable of acting in its own behalf, and is liable for its actions. Liabilities of the commission shall not be deemed liabilities of the party states. Members of the commission shall not be personally liable for actions taken by them in their official capacity.

2. Except as specifically provided in this compact, nothing in this compact shall be construed to alter the incidence of liability of any kind for any act, omission, course of conduct, or on account of any causal or other relationships. Generators, transporters of wastes, owners and operators of sites shall be liable for their acts, omissions, conduct, or relationships in accordance with all laws relating thereto.

Article V.

Development and Operation of Facilities

a. Any party state which becomes a host state in which a regional facility is operated shall not be designated by the compact commission as a host state for an additional regional facility until each party state has fulfilled its obligation, as determined by the commission, to have a regional facility operated within its borders.

b. A host state desiring to close a regional facility located within its borders may do so only after notifying the commission in writing of its intention to do so and the reasons therefor. Such notification shall be given to the commission at least four (4) years prior to the intended date of closure. Notwithstanding the four-year notice requirement herein provided, a host state is not prevented from closing its facility or establishing conditions of its use and operations as necessary for the protection of the health and safety of its citizens. A host state may terminate or limit access to its regional facility if it determines that Congress has materially altered the conditions of this compact.

c. Each party state designated as a host state for a regional facility shall take appropriate steps to ensure that an application for a license to construct and operate a facility of the designated type is filed with and issued by the appropriate authority.

d. No party state shall have any form of arbitrary prohibition on the treatment, storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste within its borders.

e. No party state shall be required to operate a regional facility for longer than a twenty-year period, or to dispose of more than thirty-two million (32,000,000) cubic feet of low-level radioactive waste, whichever first occurs.

Article VI.

Other Laws and Regulations

a. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to:

1. Abrogate or limit the applicability of any act of Congress or diminish or otherwise impair the jurisdiction of any federal agency expressly conferred thereon by the Congress;

2. Abrogate or limit the regulatory responsibility and authority of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission or of an agreement state under Section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 in which a regional facility is located;

3. Make inapplicable to any person or circumstance any other law of a party state which is not inconsistent with this compact;

4. Make unlawful the continued development and operation of any facility already licensed for development or operation on the date this compact becomes effective, except that any such facility shall comply with Article III, Article IV and Article V and shall be subject to any action lawfully taken pursuant thereto;

5. Prohibit any storage or treatment of waste by the generator on its own premises;

6. Affect any judicial or administrative proceeding pending on the effective date of this compact;

7. Alter the relations between, and the respective internal responsibilities of, the government of a party state and its subdivisions;

8. Affect the generation, treatment, storage or disposal of waste generated by the atomic energy defense activities of the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy or federal research and development activities as defined in P.L. 96-573 ;

9. Affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to regulate and license any facility within its borders or to affect the rights and powers of any party state and its political subdivisions to tax or impose fees on the waste managed at any facility within its borders.

b. No party state shall pass any law or adopt any regulation which is inconsistent with this compact. To do so may jeopardize the membership status of the party state.

c. Upon formation of the compact, no law or regulation of a party state or of any subdivision or instrumentality thereof may be applied so as to restrict or make more inconvenient access to any regional facility by the generators of another party state than for the generators of the state where the facility is situated.

d. Restrictions of waste management of regional facilities pursuant to Article IV(l) shall be enforceable as a matter of state law.

Article VII.

Eligible Parties, Withdrawal, Revocation, Entry into Force, Termination

a. This compact shall have as initially eligible parties the States of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

b. Any state not expressly declared eligible to become a party state to this compact in Section (a) of this article may petition the commission, once constituted, to be declared eligible. The commission may establish such conditions as it deems necessary and appropriate to be met by a state wishing to become eligible to become a party state to this compact pursuant to the provisions of this section. Upon satisfactorily meeting such conditions and upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) of the commission, including the affirmative vote of both representatives of a host state in which any affected regional facility is located, the petitioning state shall be eligible to become a party state to this compact and may become a party state in the same manner as those states declared eligible in Section (a) of this article.

c. Each state eligible to become a party state to this compact shall be declared a party state upon enactment of this compact into law by the state and upon payment of the fees required by Article IV(h)(1). The commission shall be the judge of the qualifications of the party states and of its members and of their compliance with the conditions and requirements of this compact and the laws of the party states relating to the enactment of this compact.

d.1. The first three (3) states eligible to become party states to this compact which enact this compact into law and appropriate the fees required by Article IV(h)(1) shall immediately, upon the appointment of their commission members, constitute themselves as the Southeast Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Commission, shall cause legislation to be introduced into the Congress which grants the consent of the Congress to this compact, and shall do those things necessary to organize the commission and implement the provisions of this compact.

2. All succeeding states eligible to become party states to this compact shall be declared party states pursuant to the provisions of Section (c) of this article.

3. The consent of the Congress shall be required for full implementation of this compact. The provisions of Article V(d) shall not become effective until the effective date of the import ban authorized by Article IV(l) as approved by Congress. The Congress may by law withdraw its consent only every five (5) years.

e. No state which holds membership in any other regional compact for the management of low-level radioactive waste may be considered by the compact commission for eligible state status or party state status.

f. Any party state which fails to comply with the provisions of this compact or to fulfill the obligations incurred by becoming a party state to this compact may be subject to sanctions by the commission, including suspension of its rights under this compact, and revocation of its status as a party state. Any sanction shall be imposed only upon the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) of the commission members. Revocation of party state status may take effect on the date of the meeting at which the commission approves the resolution imposing such sanction, but in no event shall revocation take effect later than ninety (90) days from the date of such meeting. Rights and obligations incurred by being declared a party state to this compact shall continue until the effective date of the sanction imposed or as provided in the resolution of the commission imposing the sanction.

The commission must, as soon as practicable after the meeting at which a resolution revoking status as a party state is approved, provide written notice of the action along with a copy of the resolution to the governors, the presidents of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as chairmen of the appropriate committees of the Congress.

g. Subject to the provisions of Article VII(h), any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a law repealing the compact, provided that if a regional facility is located within such state, such regional facility shall remain available to the region for four (4) years after the date the commission receives verification in writing from the governor of such party state of the rescission of the compact. The commission, upon receipt of the notification, shall, as soon as practicable, provide copies of such notification to the governors, the presidents of the senates, and the speakers of the houses of representatives of the party states, as well as the chairmen of the appropriate committees of the Congress.

h. The right of a party state to withdraw pursuant to Article VII(g) shall terminate thirty (30) days following the commencement of operation of the second host state facility. Thereafter, a party state may withdraw only with the unanimous approval of the commission and with the consent of Congress. For purposes of this section, the low-level radioactive waste disposal facility located in Barnwell County, South Carolina, shall be considered the first host state disposal facility.

i. This compact may be terminated only by the affirmative action of the Congress or by the rescission of all laws enacting the compact in each party state.

Article VIII.

Penalties

a. Each party state, consistently with its own law, shall prescribe and enforce penalties against any person not an official of another state for violation of any provision of this compact.

b. Each party state acknowledges that the receipt by a host state of waste packaged or transported in violation of applicable laws and regulations can result in imposition of sanctions by the host state which may include suspension or revocation of the violator's right of access to the facility in the host state.

Article IX.

Severability and Construction

The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be contrary to the constitution of any participating state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any other government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to give effect to the purposes thereof.