Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-15 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 55 / Section 61-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-15
Status: in_force

(1) Except for grants authorized for state-owned ports and for grants authorized under Section 57-61-32 , Section 57-61-33 and Section 57-61-36, Mississippi Code of 1972 , no more than Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($ 7,500,000.00) of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued under this chapter shall be made available for grants to municipalities; however, Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($ 2,500,000.00) of such amount shall be made available for grants to small communities.

(2) In no case shall any municipality receive more than one (1) grant in any single fiscal year. This subsection shall not apply to grants authorized under Section 57-61-36, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(3) A minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate funds made available under this chapter shall be allocated to small communities. For the purpose of determining the aggregate funds available to make the allocation established in this subsection, there shall be excluded from inclusion therein any funds specifically dedicated pursuant to Sections 57-61-11(e)(iii) and (v) , 57-61-32 , 57-61-33 , 57-61-34 , 57-61-36 , 57-61-39 , 57-61-41 and 57-75-27, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(4) No loan or grant shall be made without substantiation of the provisions of Section 57-61-9, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(5) Except in the case of an application pursuant to Section 57-61-9(5)(a), Mississippi Code of 1972 , funds loaned shall be secured by a lien and/or collateralized consistent with Section 57-61-9(1)(d), Mississippi Code of 1972 , if required by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(6) Except in the case of an application pursuant to Section 57-61-9(5)(a), Mississippi Code of 1972 , private companies which fail to create and maintain the number of jobs specified in an approved application shall be liable for, in the discretion of the Mississippi Development Authority, (a) a penalty equal to two percent (2%) greater than the current prime interest rate for the remainder of the loan made for their benefit, or (b) prepayment of the outstanding loan amount incurred by the municipality for their benefit, unless the penalty or a portion thereof is waived by the Mississippi Development Authority because the failure is due to circumstances outside the control of the private company. The penalty shall be payable in installments which the Mississippi Development Authority deems appropriate. Immediate notice of penalties and waivers of penalties, including the penalties in Section 57-61-9(1)(d), Mississippi Code of 1972 , with the reasons thereof, shall be submitted by the Mississippi Development Authority to the Governor and the Legislature along with the Mississippi Development Authority's decision on the imposition of penalties and the reasons for this decision.

(7) Except in the case of an application pursuant to Section 57-61-9(5)(a), Mississippi Code of 1972 , municipalities receiving loans which fail to meet their repayment obligations shall forfeit the right to receive their sales tax allocation and/or homestead exemption reimbursement in an amount sufficient to repay obligations due until such time as their indebtedness has been discharged or arrangements to discharge such indebtedness satisfactory to the Mississippi Development Authority have been made. Sales tax allocations and/or homestead exemption reimbursements forfeited hereby shall, upon demand by the Mississippi Development Authority made in writing upon the State Tax Commission, be paid to the Mississippi Development Authority and applied to the discharge of the obligation. The Mississippi Development Authority may prescribe such other penalties it deems necessary.

(8) Any municipality which has forfeited its sales tax allocation and/or homestead exemption reimbursement for twelve (12) months may levy an ad valorem tax on the taxable property therein for the purpose of meeting its repayment obligation. The revenue produced from the tax levy shall not be included within the ten percent (10%) growth limitation on ad valorem tax receipts for its general budget.

(9) This chapter is expressly not intended to encourage the relocation of a company from one (1) jurisdiction within the state to another. Any request by a local sponsor for assistance to be provided a firm which currently operates a similar business in the state must be accompanied by a demonstration that the total net increase in and maintenance of full-time equivalent jobs, using the current number of jobs in all similar businesses operated by the private company in the state as a base, shall be at least twenty-five percent (25%). This requirement shall not apply to private companies relocating from small business incubators.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-93-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 78 / 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. § 57-44-31 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 34 / Section 44-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-31
Status: in_force

All bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 57-44-11 through 57-44-39 shall be legal investments for trustees and other fiduciaries, and for savings banks, trust companies and insurance companies organized under the laws of the State of Mississippi, and such bonds shall be legal securities which may be deposited with and shall be received by all public officers and bodies of this state and all municipalities and political subdivisions for the purpose of securing the deposit of public funds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-99-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 75 / Section 99-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-99-9
Status: in_force

The MDA and the State Tax Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, and all application forms and other forms necessary to implement their respective duties and responsibilities under the provisions of Sections 57-99-1 through 57-99-9 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-32 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 57 / Section 61-32
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-32
Status: repealed

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall certify to the department the amount of money necessary to defray the cost of the state's share in constructing the Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery that is located in North Mississippi, which amount shall not be more than Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00); and the department shall, if funds have not otherwise been made available, provide a grant for such amount out of the proceeds of bonds issued under this chapter. Of the funds provided hereunder, any amounts not expended on the fish hatchery shall be remitted to the department for deposit into the Mississippi Business Investment Sinking Fund.

The private match requirements of Section 57-61-9(2)(d), Mississippi Code of 1972 , shall not apply to any loan or grant made under this section.

(2) [Repealed]
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-23-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 23 / Section 23-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-23-11
Status: in_force

In addition to appropriations made by the Mississippi Legislature for the operation and support of the institute, the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is authorized and empowered to receive contributions, donations, gifts, and grants of money and/or property, equipment, materials or manpower from persons, foundations, trust funds, corporations, organizations, and other sources, to be expended by said board in carrying out the objectives of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-57-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 5 / Section 57-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-57-11
Status: in_force

The board is hereby authorized to assist in the creation of and actively participate in an export trading company as defined in Title I, Section 103 of the United States Export Trading Company Act of 1982 to promote and facilitate increased exports in Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-115-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 67 / Section 115-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-115-11
Status: in_force

The MDA and the department each may promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, for the implementation and administration of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-56-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 23 / Section 56-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-56-1
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby created and established the Mississippi Office of Space and Technology, which office shall be administered and staffed by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(2) The Mississippi Development Authority shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Manage and control the Mississippi Office of Space and Technology, and recommend from time to time to the Governor such utilization of space available at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Stennis Space Center deemed appropriate as having a direct impact on the transfer of technology or commercial space activities;

(b) Establish a mechanism through which utilization of available space within the center can best be determined to be in the state's best interest, including leasing or subleasing and contracting authority;

(c) Provide an office for and maintain liaison with the NASA Stennis Space Center for a direct interface for technology transfer and economic development endeavors;

(d) Assist the Director of the University Research Center to examine the potential for including the establishment at or near the NASA Stennis Space Center of university research centers in engineering, science or technology in the strategy and planning for any future research and development programs for the state, such university centers to focus on areas of fundamental research and technology that are scientifically promising and have the potential to contribute to Mississippi's long-term economic competitiveness and growth;

(e) Encourage and facilitate collaboration among state and local governments, universities, the private sector, particularly small business, and the NASA Stennis Space Center and other federal laboratories in order to assist in the transfer of science and technology to the marketplace;

(f) Facilitate communication, coordination and cooperation between state and local technology transfer organizations and the Offices of Research and Technology Applications of federal laboratories; and

(g) Prepare and submit quarterly to the Governor a report summarizing the activities performed by the Mississippi Office of Space and Technology.

(3) The Mississippi Office of Space and Technology shall have the following functions and duties:

(a) In order to ensure that Mississippi benefits from and fully exploits scientific research and technology developed at the NASA Stennis Space Center and other federal laboratories, participate with the NASA Stennis Space Center not only in generating new knowledge and understanding in advanced technologies, but also in encouraging the swiftest possible transfer of federally developed science and technology to the private sector of the state;

(b) Be the conduit between and among the NASA Stennis Space Center and other federal laboratories and consortiums, state and local governments, universities and the private sector for the transfer of technology developed from federal research and development efforts at the NASA Stennis Space Center;

(c) Provide state and local governments, universities and the private sector with information on technology, expertise and facilities available at the NASA Stennis Space Center and other federal laboratories;

(d) Identify areas of research and technology of potential importance to long-term state economic competitiveness;

(e) Cooperate with and assist the NASA Stennis Space Center in broadening Mississippi's technology base by moving new knowledge from the research laboratory into the development of new products and processes;

(f) Provide a clearinghouse for requests received at the NASA Stennis Space Center for technical assistance from state agencies, units of local governments, businesses, industrial development organizations, not-for-profit organizations including universities, federal agencies and laboratories and other persons;

(g) Assist the private sector of Mississippi to participate, where appropriate, in federal technology exchange programs whereby scientists and engineers in the private sector may take temporary assignments in federal laboratories, and scientists and engineers in federal laboratories may take temporary assignments in the private sector;

(h) When requested, assist the NASA Stennis Space Center, colleges or universities, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, state agencies, local governments or regional organizations to establish programs to stimulate research and to encourage technology transfer in such areas as technology program development, curriculum design, long-term research planning, personnel needs projections and productivity assessments; and

(i) Encourage and participate in the establishment and operation of centers at or near the NASA Stennis Space Center, which centers may be affiliated with any university or other nonprofit institution, or any group thereof, that will have as objectives:

(i) The enhancement of technological innovation through the participation of individuals from federal laboratories, industry, universities and other nonprofit institutions, or any group thereof, in cooperative technological innovation activities; and

(ii) The improvement of mechanisms for the dissemination of scientific, engineering and technical information among federal laboratories, universities, other nonprofit institutions and industry.

(4) The public interest demands and the general welfare requires this procedure so that the comprehensive state policy on technology transfer may be implemented in the most effective, efficient and economical manner.

(5) It shall be the duty of every department, agency, office, institution and political subdivision of the State of Mississippi, and the officers thereof, to cooperate with and assist the Mississippi Office of Space and Technology in every reasonable way.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-29 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 39 / Section 61-29
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-29
Status: in_force

(1) Pending the issuance of bonds of the state as authorized under this chapter, the seller is hereby authorized in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and on the credit of the state, to make temporary borrowings not to exceed two (2) years in anticipation of the issue of bonds in order to provide funds in such amounts as may, from time to time, be deemed advisable prior to the issue of bonds. In order to provide for and in connection with such temporary borrowings, the seller is hereby authorized in the name and on behalf of the state, and in accordance with Section 57-61-27(1), Mississippi Code of 1972 , to enter into any purchase, loan or credit agreement, or agreements, or other agreement or agreements with any banks or trust companies or other lending institutions, investment banking firms or persons in the United States having power to enter into the same, which agreements may contain such provisions not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter as may be authorized by the seller.

(2) All temporary borrowings made under this section shall be evidenced by notes of the state which shall be issued, from time to time, for such amounts not exceeding in the aggregate the applicable statutory and constitutional debt limitation, in such form and in such denominations and subject to terms and condition of sale and issue, prepayment or redemption and maturity, rate or rates of interest and time of payment of interest as the seller shall authorize and direct and in accordance with this chapter. Such authorization and direction may provide for the subsequent issuance of replacement notes to refund, upon issuance thereof, such notes, and may specify such other terms and conditions with respect to the notes and replacement notes thereby authorized for issuance as the seller may determine and direct.

(3) When the authorization and direction of the seller provide for the issuance of replacement notes, the seller is hereby authorized in the name and on behalf of the state to enter into agreements with any banks, trust companies, investment banking firms or other institutions or persons in the United States having the power to enter the same:

(a) To purchase or underwrite an issue or series of issues of notes.

(b) To enter into any purchase, loan or credit agreements, and to draw moneys pursuant to any such agreements on the terms and conditions set forth therein and to issue notes as evidence of borrowings made under any such agreements.

(c) To appoint or act as issuing and paying agent or agents with respect to notes.

(d) To do such other acts as may be necessary or appropriate to provide for the payment, when due, of the principal of and interest on such notes.

Such agreements may provide for the compensation of any purchasers or underwriters of notes or replacement notes by payment of a fixed fee or commission at the time of issuance thereof, and for all other costs and expenses, including fees for agreements related to the notes issuing and paying agent costs. Costs and expenses of issuance may be paid from the proceeds of the notes.

(4) When the authorization and direction of the seller provides for the issuance of replacement notes, it shall, at or prior to the time of delivery of these notes or replacement notes, determine the principal amounts, dates of issue, interest rate or rates, rates of discount, denominations and all other terms and conditions relating to the issuance. The State Treasurer shall perform all acts and things necessary to pay or cause to be paid, when due, all principal of and interest on the notes being refunded by replacement notes and to assure that the same may draw upon any moneys available for that purpose pursuant to any purchase loan or credit agreements established with respect thereto, all subject to the authorization and direction of the seller.

(5) Outstanding notes evidencing such borrowings may be funded and retired by the issuance and sale of the bonds of the state as hereinafter authorized. The refunding bonds must be issued and sold not later than a date two (2) years after the date of issuance of the first notes evidencing such borrowings to the extent that payment of such notes has not otherwise been made or provided for by sources other than proceeds of replacement notes.

(6) The proceeds of all such temporary borrowing shall be paid to the State Treasurer to be held and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 57-61-31, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(7) Notes issued hereunder, and the income therefrom, shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 40 / Section 55-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-11
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Small Business Development Center, hereinafter referred to as SBDC, is hereby established. The board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is hereby authorized to establish the Mississippi Small Business Development Center at the University of Mississippi under the direct supervision of the chancellor of the university and the dean of the business school.

(2) It shall be the function and duty of the SBDC to:

(a) Develop a system to deliver management assistance to the small business community utilizing the resources of local, state and federal government programs, various segments of the private sector, and universities and colleges throughout the state;

(b) Make management and technical assistance available to small businesses in Mississippi by linking together the above resources;

(c) Develop small business opportunities for new start-ups and the expansion of existing businesses;

(d) Develop the economic area served by the SBDC by providing opportunities for increased productivity through utilization of modern technology as developed by government, the university and the private sector;

(e) Develop a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of economic and business data;

(f) Assist businesses in developing more efficient marketing and distribution channels, including foreign trade marketing;

(g) Increase opportunities for socially and/or economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs to enter the mainstream of our economy through an organized outreach program; and

(h) Increase small business viability so that the small business client “graduates” from the SBDC.

(3) The principal officer of the SBDC shall be an executive director who shall be appointed by the chancellor of the University of Mississippi, with the approval of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 56 / Section 61-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-11
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish such guidelines, rules and regulations for the repayment of funds loaned pursuant to this chapter as may be necessary. These provisions shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Funds may be loaned for a maximum of ten (10) years or the estimated useful life of the property as established by the United States Department of Treasury, whichever is greater.

(b) The rate of interest charged by the Mississippi Development Authority for improvements not on publicly owned property may be negotiated by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(c) For all improvements funded through this chapter which occur on publicly owned property, repayment of funds loaned may, in the discretion of the Mississippi Development Authority, involve only the principal amount loaned with no interest charged thereon.

(d) An audit by a certified public accountant of all costs of a project hereunder must be submitted to the Mississippi Development Authority not later than ninety (90) days after a project's completion. Such an audit shall certify that all of the funds loaned or granted pursuant to this chapter were disbursed in accordance with the terms of this chapter and shall be paid for by the private company benefited by the project. In addition to the audit required under this paragraph, 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.

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an application under Section 57-61-9(5)(a) , the guidelines shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(i) Funds may be loaned for a maximum of twenty (20) years, or the estimated useful life of improvements on the land areas of the port, whichever is greater.

(ii) The rate of interest charged by the Mississippi Development Authority for loans for port projects may be negotiated by the Mississippi Development Authority and shall be consistent with Section 57-61-11(b) and (c) .

(iii) The total of grants and loans to any one (1) state-owned port made pursuant to an application under Section 57-61-9(5)(a) shall not exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($ 20,000,000.00).

(iv) Before any loan or grant may be made under Section 57-61-9(5)(a) to a state-owned port bordering the Gulf of Mexico, the applicant shall make adequate assurance to the Mississippi Development Authority that federal participation in the cost of the project or projects has been committed contingent only upon availability of local participation in accordance with federal guidelines.

(v) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Four Million Dollars ($ 4,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter to be made available as interest-bearing loans to state-owned ports for the purpose of repairing, renovating, maintaining and improving the state-owned port. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish an amortization schedule for the repayment of any loans made pursuant to this subparagraph. The state-owned port shall not spend any revenues for other purposes unless payments on the loan are being timely made according to the amortization schedule. The match requirements of this section and Section 57-61-9 shall not apply to any loan made pursuant to this subparagraph.

(f) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Three Million Dollars ($ 3,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter for the purpose of making loans to municipalities operating county-owned ports or municipally owned ports for the purpose of acquiring land, buildings and other improvements and for repairing, renovating, maintaining and improving such ports. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish an amortization schedule for the repayment of any loans made pursuant to this paragraph (f). A municipality shall not spend any port revenues for other purposes unless payments on the loan are being timely made according to the amortization schedule.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-27-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 5 / Section 27-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-27-5
Status: in_force

The board, upon receipt of a copy of incorporation papers, constitution, bylaws and resolutions, if any, of a nonprofit corporation applying for recognition as a regional tourist promotion council under the provisions of this chapter is hereby authorized to designate such corporation as a regional tourist promotion council whenever the board shall determine:

(1) that the applying agency is established under the Mississippi Nonprofit Corporation Law, and has a constitution and bylaws governing the activities and purposes of said corporation which are in compliance with the rules and regulations of the board;

(2) that the charter, constitution or bylaws of the applying council provide for the selection of a board of directors, and successor members on said boards, of persons who have demonstrated knowledge of and interest in the tourist travel and vacation business in the various counties comprising the council to be served by the agency;

(3) that the applying council has furnished a proposed plan and demonstration of financial resources to establish and promote an active tourist travel and vacation business promotion program within the region.

Upon determining that an applying corporation is eligible for designation as a regional tourist promotion council, the Mississippi Agricultural and Industrial Board shall upon a majority vote of said board designate such council as the participating council for such region and shall certify same to the applying council. The board is hereby authorized to revoke or suspend its designation of any regional tourist promotion council whenever the board shall determine that said council is not complying with the rules and regulations of the board, or has failed to comply with the terms of any grant made to such council pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-15 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-15
Status: in_force

The board, the council and the committee shall serve as advocates on behalf of the citizens of this state before the federal department of energy and other federal agencies on matters related to the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and transuranic waste.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-33 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 43 / Section 44-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-33
Status: in_force

Bonds issued under the provisions of Sections 57-44-11 through 57-44-39 and income therefrom shall be exempt from all taxation in the State of Mississippi.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-23 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 4 / Section 49-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-23
Status: in_force

In appropriate cases, the board upon recommendation of the council shall request the state attorney general to institute or intervene in judicial proceedings to protect the state's interests and present the state's point of view on matters related to the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-39-112 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 31 / Section 39-112
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-39-112
Status: in_force

The division shall provide technical assistance to the Mississippi Department of Education so that the department can assist local school districts in developing a detailed energy management plan for that public school district. The purposes of the plan shall be to assist the public school district in reducing consumption of energy in its buildings and facilities and to maintain or reduce that level of energy consumption, subject to any allowances for building and facilities modernization, remodeling or upgrading for educational purposes, and for increased or decreased enrollment.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 44 / 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. § 57-32-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 32 / Section 32-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-32-11
Status: in_force

Any revenues or proceeds derived from property purchased or acquired by the council with funds given or delivered to the council for a specific purpose shall be used exclusively for industrial development in the contributing county. Such funds shall not be commingled with other funds of the council, but shall be kept and expended solely for industrial development within the county specified, for the retirement of indebtedness on industrial property in such county. Once the indebtedness on any property acquired by the council with funds specified to be used in a certain county has been paid in full, the council shall execute a deed to such property to said county upon request to do so by resolution duly adopted by the board of supervisors of said county. In the absence of such request from the board of supervisors of such county the council shall continue to maintain the proceeds or revenues derived from such property in the separate fund to be used for industrial development exclusively within such county furnishing said funds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-33 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 47 / Section 49-33
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-33
Status: in_force

The board shall submit any written agreement or modification or technical revision to an agreement negotiated under Section 57-49-29 , and approved by the board and approved by the federal department of energy or other federal agency, to the governor, through the council. The board shall submit with the agreement, modification or technical revision a written summary of the hearings held under Section 57-49-29 .
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-13 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 55 / Section 61-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-13
Status: in_force

Grants for improvements on publicly owned property necessary to complete eligible projects, consistent with the criteria set forth in this chapter, shall be given preference in enterprise zones designated as such by the board in the case of a strategic investment or in those municipalities which are experiencing three (3) or more of the following problems:

(a) Twenty percent (20%) or more of the population with income below the poverty level as reported in the most recent federal decennial census.

(b) The unemployment rate of the county is at least two percent (2%) greater than the state unemployment rate as reported by the Mississippi Employment Security Commission.

(c) Five percent (5%) or more loss of population between 1970 and 1980 as reported by the Bureau of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce.

(d) Significant business vacancy rate within the area, either in gross footage or acreage or in the number of business or industrial buildings.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-35 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 31 / 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. § 57-15-6 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 10 / Section 15-6
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-15-6
Status: in_force

(1) In recognition of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, the council is directed to prepare and implement a coastal program that establishes guidelines and procedures pursuant to the following goals:

(a) To provide for reasonable industrial expansion in the coastal area and to ensure the efficient utilization of waterfront industrial sites so that suitable sites are conserved for water dependent industry;

(b) To conserve the resources of the coastal area for this and succeeding generations in accordance with the public policies expressed in Sections 39-7-3 , 49-15-1 , 49-17-3 , 49-27-3 and 51-3-1, Mississippi Code of 1972;

(c) To consider the national interest involved in planning for and in the siting of facilities in the coastal area;

(d) To encourage the preservation of natural scenic qualities in the coastal area;

(e) To assist local governments in the provisions of public facilities and services in a manner consistent with the coastal program; and

(f) To ensure the effective, coordinated implementation of public policy in the coastal area of Mississippi comprised of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties.

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that the coastal program described in subsection (1) of this section should comprise a statement of consolidated state policy in the coastal area, incorporating all applicable constitutional provisions, laws and regulations of the State of Mississippi. Where the coastal program includes provisions that are otherwise under the jurisdiction of another state agency, the coastal program shall not conflict with such agency's jurisdiction.

(3) In addition to the powers and duties now conferred upon them by law, all state agencies shall carry out their responsibilities in the coastal area in compliance with the coastal program described in subsection (1) of this section unless otherwise prohibited by law. The coastal program shall include procedures by which conflicts between state agencies concerning their compliance with the coastal program may be resolved. Further, the council shall establish in the program procedures to review and coordinate any decisions affecting the coastal area so that all state agencies and other interested parties will have the opportunity to participate in such decisions.

(4) In cooperation with other agencies having responsibilities in the coastal area, the council shall seek to develop “one-stop permitting” to coordinate the processing and issuing of permits, licenses and other such instruments in the coastal area. It is the intent of the legislature that one-stop permitting shall expedite the decision making of all governmental entities having separate regulatory jurisdiction or authority over activities in the coastal area without impinging on the regulatory jurisdiction or authority of these governmental entities.

One-stop permitting shall be implemented by means of the agreements authorized in subsection (4) of Section 57-15-5 , and shall provide for the following:

(a) A single application form for all required permits or approvals from governmental entities in the coastal area; such application form shall contain sufficient information so that the necessary reviews of all affected governmental entities can be expeditiously carried out;

(b) Consolidated public hearings so that a single public hearing may serve to meet the requirements of the several public hearings as may now be provided by law for issuing a permit, license or other such instrument in the coastal area;

(c) The shortest practicable review period for applications, proper allowances being made for all interested parties to become informed and to make their opinions heard by the appropriate agencies; and

(d) Joint permitting procedures for state and federal agencies.

The one-stop permitting provided for in this subsection shall not alter the powers, duties and responsibilities of any governmental entity, its expressed purpose being to improve the procedural operations of these entities.

(5) After consultation with county port authorities, development commissions, and port and harbor commissions having jurisdiction in the coastal area, the council shall prepare as part of the coastal program a long-term plan for the development of suitable sites for water dependent industry. The council shall include in this plan provisions for the disposal of spoil material from dredging operations. In designating suitable sites for water dependent industry, the council shall consider the nature and extent of specific alterations that would serve a higher public interest pursuant to the development of these sites.

(6) Where necessary to implement the coastal program described in subsection (1) of this section, the council may acquire real or personal property by purchase, condemnation, lease or agreement as authorized from time to time by the legislature.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-19-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 4 / Section 19-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-19-1
Status: in_force

This chapter may be cited as the “Food Technology Laboratory Law of 1968.”
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 47 / 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. § 57-55-15 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 26 / Section 55-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-15
Status: in_force

(1) The Mississippi Energy Research Center, hereinafter referred to as the MERC, is hereby established under the management and control of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning. The MERC shall be a unit of Mississippi State University under the direct supervision of the president thereof or a vice president to be designated by the president.

(2) It shall be the purpose of the MERC to develop, implement and coordinate energy and energy-related research programs in Mississippi. It shall be the duty of the MERC to:

(a) Conduct basic and applied research related to energy needs within Mississippi;

(b) Consult with state and local government agencies, utilities, industry and legislature and other potential users of research in identifying and prioritizing energy problems for research;

(c) Negotiate and administer contracts with other universities of the state for the conduct of research projects;

(d) Report to the governor and to the legislature each year on the progress and findings of research projects;

(e) Facilitate the transfer and application of new technologies as they are developed; and

(f) Facilitate and stimulate research that:

(i) Deals with policy issues facing the legislature;

(ii) Supports state agencies' missions with research on problems encountered and expected; and

(iii) Provides energy planning and management organizations with tools to increase efficiency and effectiveness of energy planning and management.

(3) The principal administrative officer of the MERC shall be a director, who shall be appointed by the president with the approval of the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning. To meet the purposes of the center, the director shall develop appropriate policies and procedures (a) for identification of priority research problems; (b) for collaborating with local and state government agencies, utilities, industry, other universities, federal government agencies and the legislature in the formulation of its research program; (c) for selection of projects to be funded; and (d) for the transfer of technology which is produced by the research.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-114-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 69 / Section 114-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-114-9
Status: in_force

The total amount of the initial mFlex tax incentive determined and awarded by the authority to the certified applicant shall be calculated by the authority as follows:

(a) Subject to paragraph (f) below, one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the total purchase or sales price, or value, including any installation costs thereof, as applicable, of all manufacturing or processing machinery acquired, leased or otherwise moved into the state following the project certification date to establish and equip the qualified economic development project; plus

(b) Subject to paragraph (f) below, seven percent (7%) of the total purchase or sales price, or value, including any installation costs thereof, as applicable, of all nonmanufacturing equipment, other than tagged over-the-road vehicles, acquired, leased or otherwise moved into the state following the project certification date to establish and equip the qualified economic development project; plus

(c) Subject to paragraph (f) below, two percent (2%) of the total contract price or compensation paid to any contractor pursuant to any construction contract entered into following the project certification date by the qualified business or industry or any affiliate thereof, to construct, build, erect, repair or add to any building, facility, structure or other improvement to real property described in Section 27-65-21(1)(a)(i) to establish and construct the qualified economic development project; plus, if applicable;

(d) To the extent that the average employer wage is equal to or more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the average state or county wage, then an additional fifteen percent (15%) of the product derived by multiplying the average employer wage by the number of new full-time jobs; plus, if applicable;

(e)(i) To the extent that 1. the qualified economic development project is an enterprise enumerated in Section 2(x)(i) or Section 2(x)(ii) of this act; 2. the number of new full-time jobs totals fifty (50) or more; 3. the qualified investment totals Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) or more; 4. the average employer wage is equal to or more than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the average state or county wage; and 5. all full-time employees are eligible for and offered health insurance coverage funded in whole or at least fifty percent (50%) by the qualified business or industry (or by a leasing company with respect to leased employees), then an additional thirty percent (30%) of the product derived by multiplying the average employer wage by the number of new full-time jobs; or

(ii) To the extent that subparagraph (i) of this paragraph (e) does not apply, but 1. the number of new full-time jobs totals twenty-five (25) or more; 2. the average employer wage is equal to or more than one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the average state or county wage; and 3. all full-time employees are eligible for and offered health insurance coverage funded in whole or at least fifty percent (50%) by the qualified business or industry (or by a leasing company with respect to leased employees), then an additional thirty percent (30%) of the product derived by multiplying the average employer wage by the number of new full-time jobs; provided, however, that the initial mFlex tax incentive award amount determined by the authority and awarded on the project certification date shall be based upon estimates provided by the qualified business or industry to the authority with respect to paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, which estimates shall be memorialized as project performance measures agreed to by the qualified business or industry in the mFlex agreement; provided, further, that such initial award amount shall be subject to any subsequent adjustments made by the authority pursuant to Section 7 of this act;

(f) To the extent that all or any portion of the purchases to establish a qualified economic development project which are financed by proceeds from bonds issued pursuant to Section 57-10-201 et seq. or Section 57-10-401 et seq. , the mFlex tax incentive determined in accordance with this section shall exclude the amount calculated in accordance with paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above; provided that, this paragraph (f) shall not apply in determining the mFlex tax incentive for a qualified economic development project to the extent that (i) the qualified economic development project is an expansion of an existing project, (ii) all or any portion of the purchases to establish the existing project were financed by proceeds from bonds issued pursuant to Section 57-10-201 et seq. or Section 57-10-401 et seq. , and (iii) no purchases to establish the expansion constituting a qualified economic development project are financed by proceeds from bonds issued pursuant to Section 57-10-201 et seq. or Section 57-10-401 et seq.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-3 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 11 / Section 43-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-3
Status: in_force

The Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation, with the approval of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, may enter into agreements with railroads, the United States government, persons, municipalities, counties, local railroad authorities or regional railroad authorities for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. Agreements entered into between the executive director and railroad corporations pursuant to this chapter may require payment by the railroad corporation of a portion of revenue derived from the improved rail line into the Railroad Revitalization Fund and to users who have paid a portion of the cost of the improved line. Any agreement between the executive director and a railroad corporation shall also include a condition that, as a prerequisite to its receipt of any monies available under this chapter, a railroad corporation agrees not to abandon any section of line on which such monies are to be spent until all of the monies expended on such section out of the Railroad Revitalization Fund have been replaced. The board of supervisors of a county and the governing authority of a municipality may enter into an agreement with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to receive a portion of the payments made by a railroad corporation to the Railroad Revitalization Fund pursuant to this chapter. The amount received by a county or municipality shall not exceed the amount appropriated to the Railroad Revitalization Fund by the county or municipality pursuant to this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-703 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-703
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-703
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds the following:

(a) Developing quality retail food outlets creates jobs, expands markets for Mississippi farmers, and supports economic vitality in underserved communities.

(b) Increasing access to retail food outlets that sell fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy food is an important strategy for fighting the obesity epidemic and improving health. Studies have shown that people with better access to supermarkets and fresh produce tend to have healthier diets and lower levels of obesity.

(c) The program established under this article is intended to provide a dedicated source of financing for healthy food retailers operating in underserved communities in Mississippi, in both urban and rural areas; to increase access to affordable healthy food so as to improve diets and health; to promote the sale and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, in natural and/or frozen form, particularly those that are Mississippi grown; and to support expanded economic opportunities in low-income and rural communities.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-33-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 3 / Section 33-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-33-1
Status: in_force

The State of Mississippi shall adhere to the Southern Growth Policies Agreement by becoming a party state therein in the form substantially as follows:

SOUTHERN GROWTH POLICIES AGREEMENT

Article I. Findings and Purposes

(a) The party states find that the South has a sense of community based on common social, cultural and economic needs, and fostered by a regional tradition. There are vast potentialities for mutual improvement of each state in the region by cooperative planning for the development, conservation and efficient utilization of human and natural resources in a geographic area large enough to afford a high degree of flexibility in identifying and taking maximum advantage of opportunities for healthy and beneficial growth. The independence of each state and the special needs of subregions are recognized and are to be safeguarded. Accordingly, the cooperation resulting from this agreement is intended to assist the states in meeting their own problems by enhancing their abilities to recognize and analyze regional opportunities and take account of regional influences in planning and implementing their public policies.

(b) The purposes of this agreement are to provide:

(1) Improve facilities and procedures for study, analysis and planning of governmental policies, programs and activities of regional significance.

(2) Assistance in the prevention of interstate conflicts and the promotion of regional cooperation.

(3) Mechanisms for the coordination of state and local interests on a regional basis.

(4) An agency to assist the states in accomplishing the foregoing.

Article II. The Board

(a) There is hereby created the Southern Growth Policies Board, hereinafter called “the board.”

(b) The board shall consist of five (5) members from each party state, as follows:

(1) The governor.

(2) Two (2) members of the state legislature, one (1) appointed by the presiding officer of each house of the legislature or in such other manner as the legislature may provide.

(3) Two (2) residents of the state who shall be appointed by the governor to serve at his pleasure.

(c) In making appointments pursuant to paragraph (b)(3), a governor shall, to the greatest extent practicable, select persons who, along with the other members serving pursuant to paragraph (b), will make the state's representation on the board broadly representative of the several socio-economic elements within his state.

(d)(1) A governor may be represented by an alternate with power to act in his place and stead if notice of the designation of such alternate is given to the board in such manner as its bylaws may provide.

(2) A legislative member of the board may be represented by an alternate with power to act in his place and stead unless the laws of his state prohibit such representation and if notice of the designation of such alternate is given to the board in such manner as its bylaws may provide. An alternate for a legislative member of the board shall be selected by the member from among the members of the legislative house in which he serves.

(3) A member of the board serving pursuant to paragraph (b)(3) of this article may be represented by another resident of his state who may participate in his place and stead, except that he shall not vote, provided that notice of the identity and designation of the representative selected by the member is given to the board in such manner as its bylaws may provide.

Article III. Powers

(a) The board shall prepare and keep current a statement of regional objectives, including recommended approaches to regional problems. The statement may also identify projects deemed by the board to be of regional significance. The statement shall be available in its initial form two (2) years from the effective date of this agreement, and shall be amended or revised no less frequently than once every six (6) years. The statement shall be in such detail as the board may prescribe. Amendments, revisions, supplements or evaluations may be transmitted at any time. An annual commentary on the statement shall be submitted at a regular time to be determined by the board.

(b) In addition to powers conferred on the board elsewhere in this agreement, the board shall have the power to make or commission studies, investigations and recommendations with respect to:

(1) The planning and programming of projects of interstate or regional significance.

(2) Planning and scheduling of governmental services and programs which would be of assistance to the orderly growth and prosperity of the region, and to the well-being of its population.

(3) Effective utilization of such federal assistance as may be available on a regional basis or as may have an interstate or regional impact.

(4) Measures for influencing population distribution, land use, development of new communities, and redevelopment of existing ones.

(5) Transportation patterns and systems of interstate and regional significance.

(6) Improved utilization of human and natural resources for the advancement of the region as a whole.

(7) Any other matters of a planning, data collection or informational character that the board may determine to be of value to the party states.

Article IV. Avoidance of Duplication

(a) To avoid duplication of effort and in the interest of economy, the board shall make use of existing studies, surveys, plans and data, and other materials in the possession of the governmental agencies of the party states and their respective subdivisions or in the possession of other interstate agencies. Each such agency, within available appropriations and if not expressly prevented or limited by law, is hereby authorized to make such materials available to the board and to otherwise assist it in the performance of its functions. At the request of the board, each such agency is further authorized to provide information regarding plans and programs affecting the region, or any subarea thereof, so that the board may have available to it current information with respect thereto.

(b) The board shall use qualified public and private agencies to make investigations and conduct research, but if it is unable to secure the undertaking of such investigations or original research by a qualified public or private agency, it shall have the power to make its own investigations and conduct its own research. The board may make contracts with any public or private agencies or private persons or entities for the undertaking of such investigations or original research within its purview.

(c) In general, the policy of paragraph (b) of this article shall apply to the activities of the board relating to its statement of regional objectives, but nothing herein shall be construed to require the board to rely on the services of other persons or agencies in developing the statement of regional objectives or any amendment, supplement or revision thereof.

Article V. Advisory Committees

The board shall establish a local governments advisory committee. In addition, the board may establish advisory committees representative of subregions of the South, civic and community interests, industry, agriculture, labor, or other categories or any combinations thereof. Unless the laws of a party state contain a contrary requirement, any public official of the party state or a subdivision thereof may serve on an advisory committee established pursuant hereto, and such service may be considered as a duty of his regular office or employment.

Article VI. Internal Management of the Board

(a) The members of the board shall be entitled to one (1) vote each. No action of the board shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the board are cast in favor thereof. Action of the board shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the members or their alternates are present. The board shall meet at least once a year. In its bylaws, and subject to such directions and limitations as may be contained therein, the board may delegate the exercise of any of its powers relating to internal administration and management to an executive committee or the executive director. In no event shall any such delegation include final approval of:

(1) A budget or appropriation request.

(2) The statement of regional objectives or any amendment, supplement or revision thereof.

(3) Official comments on or recommendations with respect to projects of interstate or regional significance.

(4) The annual report.

(b) To assist in the expeditious conduct of its business when the full board is not meeting, the board shall elect an executive committee of not to exceed twenty-three (23) members, including at least one (1) member from each party state. The executive committee, subject to the provisions of this agreement and consistent with the policies of the board, shall be constituted and function as provided in the bylaws of the board. One-half ( 1 / 2 ) of the membership of the executive committee shall consist of governors, and the remainder shall consist of other members of the board, except that at any time when there is an odd number of members on the executive committee, the number of governors shall be one (1) less than half of the total membership. The members of the executive committee shall serve for terms of two (2) years, except that members elected to the first executive committee shall be elected as follows: one (1) less than half of the membership for two (2) years and the remainder for one (1) year. The chairman, chairman-elect, vice-chairman and treasurer of the board shall be members of the executive committee and, anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, shall serve during their continuance in these offices. Vacancies in the executive committee shall not affect its authority to act, but the board at its next regularly ensuing meeting following the occurrence of any vacancy shall fill it for the unexpired term.

(c) The board shall have a seal.

(d) The board shall elect, from among its members, a chairman, a chairman-elect, a vice-chairman and a treasurer. Elections shall be annual. The chairman-elect shall succeed to the office of chairman for the year following his service as chairman-elect. For purposes of the election and service of officers of the board, the year shall be deemed to commence at the conclusion of the annual meeting of the board and terminate at the conclusion of the next annual meeting thereof. The board shall provide for the appointment of an executive director. Such executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the board, and together with the treasurer and such other personnel as the board may deem appropriate shall be bonded in such amounts as the board shall determine. The executive director shall be secretary.

(e) The executive director, subject to the policy set forth in this agreement and any applicable directions given by the board, may make contracts on behalf of the board.

(f) Irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the party states, the executive director, subject to the approval of the board, shall appoint, remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the board, and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel. The board in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the board.

(g) The board may borrow, accept or contract for the services of personnel from any party jurisdiction, the United States, or any subdivision or agency of the aforementioned governments, or from any agency of two (2) or more of the party jurisdictions or their subdivisions.

(h) The board may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this agreement any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, foundation or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the board pursuant to this paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to paragraph (g) of this article shall be reported in the annual report of the board. Such report shall include the nature, amount and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed, and the identity of the donor or lender.

(i) The board may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The board may acquire, hold and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.

(j) The board shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The board shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.

(k) The board annually shall make to the governor and legislature of each party state a report covering the activities of the board for the preceding year. The board at any time may make such additional reports and transmit such studies as it may deem desirable.

(l) The board may do any other or additional things appropriate to implement powers conferred upon it by this agreement.

Article VII. Finance

(a) The board shall advise the governor or designated officer or officers of each party state of its budget of estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party state. Each of the board's budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states.

(b) The total amount of appropriation requests under any budget shall be apportioned among the party states. Such apportionment shall be in accordance with the following formula:

(1) One-third ( 1 / 3 ) in equal shares,

(2) One-third ( 1 / 3 ) in the proportion that the population of a party state bears to the population of all party states, and

(3) One-third ( 1 / 3 ) in the proportion that the per capita income in a party state bears to the per capita income in all party states.

In implementing this formula, the board shall employ the most recent authoritative sources of information and shall specify the sources used.

(c) The board shall not pledge the credit of any party state. The board may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it pursuant to Article VI(h) of this agreement, provided that the board takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring an obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the board makes use of funds available to it pursuant to Article VI(h), or borrows pursuant to this paragraph, the board shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to meet the same. The board may borrow against anticipated revenues for terms not to exceed two (2) years, but in any such event the credit pledged shall be that of the board and not of a party state.

(d) The board shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the board shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established by its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the board shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the board.

(e) The accounts of the board shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons authorized by the board.

(f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent board compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the board.

Article VIII. Cooperation With the Federal Government and Other Governmental Entities

Each party state is hereby authorized to participate in cooperative or joint planning undertakings with the federal government, and any appropriate agency or agencies thereof, or with any interstate agency or agencies. Such participation shall be at the instance of the governor or in such manner as state law may provide or authorize. The board may facilitate the work of state representatives in any joint interstate or cooperative federal-state undertaking authorized by this article, and each such state shall keep the board advised of its activities in respect of such undertakings, to the extent that they have interstate or regional significance.

Article IX. Subregional Activities

The board may undertake studies or investigations centering on the problems of one or more selected subareas within the region: provided that in its judgment, such studies or investigations will have value as demonstrations for similar or other areas within the region. If a study or investigation that would be of primary benefit to a given state, unit of local government, or intrastate or interstate area is proposed, and if the board finds that it is not justified in undertaking the work for its regional value as a demonstration, the board may undertake the study or investigation as a special project. In any such event, it shall be a condition precedent that satisfactory financing and personnel arrangements be concluded to assure that the party or parties benefited bear all costs which the board determines that it would be inequitable for it to assume. Prior to undertaking any study or investigation pursuant to this article as a special project, the board shall make reasonable efforts to secure the undertaking of the work by another responsible public or private entity in accordance with the policy set forth in Article IV(b).

Article X. Comprehensive Land Use Planning

If any two (2) or more contiguous party states desire to prepare a single or consolidated comprehensive land use plan, or a land use plan for any interstate area lying partly within each such state, the governors of the states involved may designate the board as their joint agency for the purpose. The board shall accept such designation and carry out such responsibility: provided that the states involved make arrangements satisfactory to the board to reimburse it or otherwise provide the resources with which the land use plan is to be prepared. Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to deny the availability for use in the preparation of any such plan of data and information already in the possession of the board or to require payment on account of the use thereof in addition to payments otherwise required to be made pursuant to other provisions of this agreement.

Article XI. Compacts and Agencies Unaffected

Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to:

(1) Affect the powers or jurisdiction of any agency of a party state or any subdivision thereof.

(2) Affect the rights or obligations of any governmental units, agencies or officials, or of any private persons or entities conferred or imposed by any interstate or interstate-federal compacts to which any one or more states participating herein are parties.

(3) Impinge on the jurisdiction of any existing interstate-federal mechanism for regional planning or development.

Article XII. Eligible Parties; Entry Into and Withdrawal

(a) This agreement shall have as eligible parties the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territory of the Virgin Islands, hereinafter referred to as “party states.”

(b) Any eligible state may enter into this agreement and it shall become binding thereon when it has adopted the same: provided that in order to enter into initial effect, adoption by at least five (5) states shall be required.

(c) Adoption of the agreement may be either by enactment thereof or by adherence thereto by the governor; provided that in the absence of enactment, adherence by the governor shall be sufficient to make his state a party only until December 31, 1973. During any period when a state is participating in this agreement through gubernatorial action, the governor may provide to the board an equitable share of the financial support of the board from any source available to him. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to require a governor to take action contrary to the Constitution or laws of his state.

(d) Except for a withdrawal effective on December 31, 1973, in accordance with paragraph (c) of this article, any party state may withdraw from this agreement by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one (1) year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state prior to the time of such withdrawal.

Article XIII. Construction and Severability

This agreement shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this agreement shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this agreement is declared to be contrary to the Constitution of any state or of the United States, or the application thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this agreement shall be held contrary to the Constitution of any state participating therein, the agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-71-15 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 71 / Section 71-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-71-15
Status: in_force

The Certified Development Company of Mississippi, Inc., is hereby authorized to engage legal services, financial advisors, appraisers and consultants if needed to review and close loans made pursuant to this act. The costs of such professionals shall be paid by the borrower or from loan proceeds as determined and approved by the company.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-34-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 26 / Section 34-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-34-5
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(a) “ Act ” means the provisions of this chapter.

(b) “ Authority ” means the Alabama-Mississippi Joint Economic Development Authority created pursuant to this chapter.

(c) “ Board of directors ” means the board of directors of the authority.

(d) “ Designated geographic area ” means:

(i) Those counties in the State of Alabama that share a common border with any county in the State of Mississippi; and

(ii) Those counties in the State of Mississippi that share a common border with any county in the State of Alabama.

(e) “ Herein ,” “ hereby ,” “ hereunder ,” “ hereof ” and other equivalent words refer to this chapter as an entirety and not solely to the particular section or portion thereof in which any such word is used.

(f) “ Project ” means:

(i) Any industrial, commercial, research and development, warehousing, distribution, transportation, processing, mining, United States government or tourism enterprise together with all real property required for construction, maintenance and operation of the enterprise:

1. With an initial capital investment of not less than Three Hundred Million Dollars ($ 300,000,000.00) from private or United States government sources together with all buildings, and other supporting land and facilities, structures or improvements of whatever kind required or useful for construction, maintenance and operation of the enterprise; or

2. With an initial capital investment of not less than One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($ 150,000,000.00) from private or United States government sources together with all buildings and other supporting land and facilities, structures or improvements of whatever kind required or useful for construction, maintenance and operation of the enterprise and which creates at least one thousand (1,000) net new full-time jobs; or

3. Which creates at least one thousand (1,000) net new full-time jobs which provide an average hourly wage of not less than two hundred percent (200%) of the federal minimum wage in effect on the date the project is placed in service.

(ii) Any addition to, or expansion of, any existing enterprise as described in this paragraph if the addition or expansion:

1. Has an initial capital investment of not less than Three Hundred Million Dollars ($ 300,000,000.00) from private or United States government sources;

2. Has an initial capital investment of not less than One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($ 150,000,000.00) from private or United States government sources together with all buildings and other supporting land and facilities, structures or improvements of whatever kind required or useful for construction, maintenance and operation of the enterprise and which creates at least one thousand (1,000) net new full-time jobs; or

3. Creates at least one thousand (1,000) net new full-time jobs which provide an average hourly wage of not less than two hundred percent (200%) of the federal minimum wage in effect on the date the project is placed in service.

(iii) Any development with an initial capital investment from private sources of not less than Seven Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($ 750,000,000.00) which will create at least three thousand (3,000) net new full-time jobs satisfying criteria to be established by the authority.

In addition to meeting the other requirements of this paragraph, in order to fall within the definition of the term “ project ”:

(i) The enterprise or development must be located within the designated geographic area; and

(ii) Each state must provide funds or in kind contributions equal to at least one-third ( 1 / 3 ) of the total costs of the project to the states.

(g) “ Project agreement ” means an agreement, approved by the legislature of the states, setting forth certain obligations, responsibilities, benefits, administrative matters and any other matters with respect to a specific project that are not inconsistent with the terms of this chapter as the legislatures of the states deem appropriate with respect to a specific project.

(h) “ Project tax revenues ” means:

(i) All of the following state and local taxes paid directly to a state or a local government by the project: income taxes, ad valorem taxes on real and personal property, sales and use taxes, franchise taxes, license taxes, excise taxes and severance taxes; and

(ii) All state and local personal income tax and occupational tax withholdings from employees of the project attributable to employment at the project.

(i) “ States ” means the State of Alabama and the State of Mississippi collectively.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 39 / Section 43-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-5
Status: in_force

The Mississippi Department of Transportation may accept federal funds to carry out the provisions of this chapter. All federal grants received under provisions of this chapter shall be expended for the purposes set forth in the federal grants. The transportation department, upon a finding that sufficient federal grants for railroad rehabilitation are not available, and with the approval of the State Fiscal Management Board, may make grants to railroad corporations in a total amount not to exceed Two Million Dollars ($ 2,000,000.00) from the Railroad Revitalization Fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-3-27 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 1 / Section 3-27
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-3-27
Status: in_force

The proceeds from the sale of any bonds issued under authority of this chapter shall be applied only for the purpose for which the bonds were issued. However, any accrued interest and premium received in any such sale shall be applied to the payment of the principal of or the interest on the bonds sold; and, if for any reason, any portion of such proceeds shall not be needed for the purpose for which the bonds were issued, then such unneeded portion of said proceeds shall be applied to the payment of the principal of or the interest on said bonds. The cost of acquiring any project shall be deemed to include the following: the actual cost of the construction of any part of a project which may be constructed, including equipment, machinery, facilities, attorney's, architect's and engineer's fees; abstracts, cost of preparing and recording warranty deeds; the purchase price of any part of a project that may be acquired by purchase; the deposit into a reserve or escrow fund advance payments for insurance, in the event that the prospective lessee shall be in default of any payments and the municipality has to take over the operation of said project; all expenses in connection with the authorization, sale and issuance of the bonds to finance such acquisition; and the interest on such bonds for a reasonable time prior to construction, during construction, and for not exceeding six (6) months after completion of construction. Proceeds of said bonds shall be placed in the municipal treasury or with the trustee named in the mortgage or indentured trust as provided in Section 57-3-21 as a special fund and shall be used for no other purpose than the purpose set forth in the original resolution, and any officer diverting or assisting to divert any such fund to any other purpose than the purpose originally set forth in said resolution of the governing authority of said municipality shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, shall be punished accordingly, and shall also be liable both personally and on his official bond for such diversion, together with the costs of collection and reasonable attorney's fees. The Mississippi Agricultural and Industrial Board is authorized to employ necessary competent attorneys to proceed by action for injunction or mandamus to require compliance with said original resolution by any officer or municipal board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-117 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 9 / Section 10-117
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-117
Status: in_force

If there is a corporate borrower, the committee shall require the personal guarantee or endorsement of any principal or entity owning at least twenty percent (20%) of the corporation that is borrowing money from any lender under the provisions of this article, and the committee may also require any other guarantees it deems appropriate.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-36 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 34 / 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. § 57-119-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 73 / Section 119-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-119-9
Status: in_force

(1) Applicants who are eligible for assistance under this section include, but are not limited to, local units of government, nongovernmental organizations, institutions of higher learning, community colleges, public schools, ports, airports, public-private partnerships, private for-profit entities, private nonprofit entities and local economic development entities. Projects that are eligible for assistance under this section are projects that have the potential to generate increased economic activity in the region, as described in Section 57-119-11(3) .

(2) MDA shall establish criteria, rules, and procedures for accepting and reviewing applications for assistance under this section. MDA, with advice from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board, shall review, compile and score all timely received applications, and shall present the applications and its recommendations for assistance to individual projects under this section to the Legislature no later than December 1 of the year. The Legislature shall determine individual projects that will be funded under this section by separate line items in an appropriation bill.

(3) Applications for assistance under this section will be received through web portals set up by MDA. MDA shall set criteria for the web portal which may include protection of the confidentiality of any or all of the applications.

(4) The project described in paragraph (m) of Section 18, Chapter 106, Laws of 2020 (Senate Bill No. 2977), to assist George County with a rail connection project, shall not be required to meet the criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority for the selection and recommendation of projects under this section in order to receive the funds allocated for that project under Chapter 106.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-57-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 5 / Section 57-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-57-7
Status: in_force

The Certified Development Company of Mississippi, Inc., is hereby given the authority to create a committee to assist the company in implementing this chapter and establishing a source of guarantees and financial assistance to support export development, particularly to small business as defined in Section 503 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended. The company is hereby authorized to:

(a) Utilize any funds not to exceed one million dollars ($ 1,000,000.00), authorized to be expended under Chapter 10, Title 57, Mississippi Code of 1972 .

(b) Provide a guarantee against political or commercial loss in whole or in part of the outstanding principal balance on any eligible export trade transaction. Such a guarantee may include, without limitation, the cost of insurance provided by the exporting business against loss up to a stated amount. The maximum amount payable under any guarantee shall be specifically set forth in writing, and shall not exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the total principal amount. The amount of all outstanding loan guarantees shall not exceed five million dollars ($ 5,000,000.00) at any one (1) time. A reasonable and legal guarantee fee may be set by the company. Any guarantee entered into by the company hereunder shall not constitute a general obligation of the state of Mississippi. Any guarantee made by the company hereunder shall not be terminated, cancelled, or otherwise revoked except in accordance with the terms thereof; shall be conclusive evidence that such guarantee complies fully with the provisions of this chapter; and shall be valid and incontestable in the hands of a holder in due course of a guaranteed eligible export trade transaction.

(c) Prior to providing a guarantee, the participating bank shall make a thorough credit investigation of the exporting business in order to determine its viability, the economic benefits to be derived therefrom, the prospects for repayment, and such other facts as it deems necessary in order to determine that such a guarantee is consistent with the purpose of this chapter. The company shall provide a guarantee if, and only if and to the extent that, it determines that such a guarantee is reasonably necessary in order to stimulate or facilitate the making of the eligible export trade transaction, upon terms which will enable the export transaction to be reasonably competitive with export transactions in other states or in foreign countries, or such guarantee is reasonably necessary in order to stimulate or facilitate the sale or resale of such eligible export trade transaction to a holder in due course which would not otherwise purchase such eligible export trade transaction; provided, however, that the guarantee provided by the company to the bank shall be loaned to the business at a fixed interest rate and term as the company may from time to time require. The interest rate and term of such loan shall not be in violation of the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. The company may condition the provision of guarantee hereunder upon such terms and conditions as it may deem desirable to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-121-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 78 / Section 121-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-121-5
Status: in_force

(1) The Legislature facilitates access by Mississippi small businesses to federal relief and recovery funds related to COVID-19. Accordingly, the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program is established, to be administered by the MDA, for the purpose of making grants to eligible businesses to reimburse them for eligible expenses as defined in this chapter.

(2) From the date of the beginning of the period for applications for grants under this section, the MDA shall for the first twenty-one (21) days of the application period only consider and review applications from eligible businesses that (i) did not receive a United States Small Business Administration-Guaranty Paycheck Protection Program loan and/or a United States Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance, (ii) did not receive and has not been awarded reimbursement under any other federal program for the expenses that will be reimbursed by a grant under this section and (iii) did not receive compensation from an insurance company for the interruption of business. After the completion of such twenty-one-day period, the MDA shall consider and review applications from any eligible businesses. The MDA shall not consider applications filed after September 15, 2020.

(3) The MDA shall develop regulations, procedures and application forms to govern the administration of the program. The MDA may enter into a personal services contract, subject to approval by the Public Procurement Review Board, for the administrative services of the program. The contract shall be let and awarded after receiving at least two (2) bids for time and expense not to exceed Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00). The MDA may retain up to Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00) of monies available under this chapter to pay reasonable expenses incurred in the administration of the program.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-27-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 1 / Section 27-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-27-7
Status: in_force

(1) The travel and tourism department of the board is hereby authorized, upon approval of the board, to make grants, from funds specifically appropriated for such purposes, to regional tourist promotion councils to assist such councils in the financing of promotional and advertising programs and to encourage and stimulate tourist travel and vacation business within the region. Provided, that before any such grant may be made, the regional tourist promotional council shall have made application to the board for such grant, and shall have set forth therein the promotion and advertising program and project, or projects, proposed to be undertaken for the purpose of encouraging and stimulating the tourist travel and vacation business within the region. The application shall further state, under oath or affirmation, the amount of funds held by or committed or subscribed to the regional tourist promotion council for application to the purposes herein described and the amount of the grant for which application is made.

(2) The board, after review of the application, if satisfied that the program of the regional tourist promotion council appears to be in accord with the purposes of this chapter, shall authorize the making of a matching grant to such regional tourist promotion council equal to the funds of the council allocated by it to the program described in the application; provided, however, that the state grant shall not exceed an amount equal to the total amount apportioned to the region as outlined herein.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-15 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 35 / Section 49-15
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-15
Status: in_force

The board, the council and the committee shall serve as advocates on behalf of the citizens of this state before the federal department of energy and other federal agencies on matters related to the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and transuranic waste.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-67-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 65 / Section 67-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-67-9
Status: in_force

(1) The authority is hereby designated and empowered to act on behalf of the state in submitting a siting proposal for the project. If the authority is not operational as of the date of the proposal, the Governor is authorized to submit the proposal. The authority is empowered to take all steps appropriate or necessary to effect the siting, development, and operation of the Superconducting Super Collider research facility within the state. If the state is selected as the preferred site for the project, the authority is hereby designated and empowered to act on behalf of the state and to represent the state in the planning, financing, development, construction and operation of the project or any facility related to the project. The authority shall take affirmative steps to coordinate fully all aspects of the submission of a siting proposal for the project and, if the state is selected as the preferred site, to coordinate fully the development of the project or any facility related to the project with the United States Department of Energy and other public agencies. Other state agencies and local governmental entities in this state shall cooperate to the fullest extent possible to effectuate the duties of the authority.

(2) To consult with the Governor and with the authority concerning the siting, development and operation of the Superconducting Super Collider research facility in the state, the Governor may establish special advisory committees, as he deems necessary, which may be composed of lay persons, scientists, physicists, engineers, other professionals and anyone having special knowledge of or interest in the project.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-89-3 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 64 / Section 89-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-89-3
Status: in_force

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

(a) “ Base investment ” means the actual investment made and expended in Mississippi by a motion picture production company in connection with the production of a state-certified production in the state. The term “ base investment ” includes amounts expended in Mississippi by a motion picture production company as per diem and housing allowances in connection with the production of a state-certified production in the state. The term “base investment” shall not include payroll. However, in the case of a motion picture production company, or its owner, principal, member, production partner, independent contractor director or producer, or subsidiary company that (i) is designated and pre-qualified by the Mississippi Development Authority as Mississippi-based or a Mississippi resident; (ii) has filed income taxes in the State of Mississippi during each of the previous three (3) years; and (iii) has engaged in activities related to the production of at least two (2) motion pictures in Mississippi during the past ten (10) years, base investment may include payroll and fringes paid for any employee who is not a resident and whose wages are subject to the Mississippi Income Tax Withholding Law of 1968, if so requested by the motion picture production company. A motion picture production company must submit such a request to the Mississippi Development Authority at the time the company submits an application for approval as a state-certified production. In addition, if base investment includes payroll and fringes, and the payroll and fringes paid for an employee exceeds Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00), then only the first Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) of such payroll and fringes may be included in base investment.

(b) “ Employee ” means an individual directly involved in the physical production and/or post-production of a motion picture produced in the state and who is employed by a:

(i) Motion picture production company that is directly involved in the physical production and/or post-production of a motion picture in the state;

(ii) Personal service corporation retained by a motion picture production company to provide persons used directly in the physical production and/or post-production of a motion picture in the state; or

(iii) Payroll service or loan-out company that is retained by a motion picture production company to provide employees who work directly in the physical production and/or post-production of a motion picture in the state.

(c) “ Fringes ” means costs paid by a motion picture production company on or after September 1, 2013, for employee benefits that are not subject to state income tax. Fringes may include, but are not limited to, payments by an employer for unemployment insurance, Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA), workers' compensation insurance, pension and welfare benefits and health insurance premiums.

(d) “ Motion picture ” means a nationally distributed feature-length film, video, DVD, television program or series, commercial, or computer or video game made in Mississippi, in whole or in part, for theatrical or DVD release or television viewing or as a television pilot or viewing through streaming video or internet delivery, or for playing on a video game console, personal computer or handheld device. The term “motion picture” shall not include the production of television coverage of news and athletic events, or a film, video, DVD, television program, series, or commercial that contains any material or performance defined in Section 97-29-103 .

(e) “ Motion picture production company ” means a company engaged in the business of producing nationally distributed motion pictures, videos, DVDs, television programs or series, commercials, or computer or video games intended for a theatrical release, for television viewing or for playing on a video game console, personal computer or handheld device. The term “ motion picture production company ” includes a company engaged in the business of making such productions through the use of animation, interactive media, preproduction and post-production 3D applications, video game cinematics, virtual production, visual effects, and motion capture within the fields of feature film, television, commercials and games. The term “motion picture production company” shall not mean or include any company owned, affiliated, or controlled, in whole or in part, by any company or person which is in default on a loan made by the state or a loan guaranteed by the state, or any company or person who has ever declared bankruptcy under which an obligation of the company or person to pay or repay public funds or monies was discharged as a part of such bankruptcy.

(f) “ Payroll ” means salary, wages or other compensation including related benefits paid to employees upon which Mississippi income tax is due and has been withheld.

(g) “ Resident ” or “ resident of Mississippi ” means a natural person, and for the purpose of determining eligibility for the rebate provided by Section 57-89-7 , any person domiciled in the State of Mississippi and any other person who maintains a permanent place of abode within the state and spends in the aggregate more than six (6) months of each year within the state.

(h) “ State ” means the State of Mississippi.

(i) “ State-certified production ” means a motion picture approved by the Mississippi Development Authority produced by a motion picture production company in the state. An application for approval as a state-certified production must be submitted to the Mississippi Development Authority before production of the project begins.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-31 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 26 / Section 61-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-31
Status: in_force

(1) The proceeds realized from the sale of bonds and notes under this chapter, other than refunding bonds and replacement notes, shall be paid to the State Treasurer and deposited into the Mississippi Business Investment Fund and specifically dedicated to the purposes enumerated in this chapter.

(2) All nonfederal funds which may become available for the purposes of this chapter shall be deposited in the Mississippi Business Investment Fund and shall be allocated for the purposes of this chapter.

(3) The proceeds of the sale of refunding bonds and replacement notes shall be applied solely to the payment of the principal of and the accrued interest on and premium, if any, and costs of redemption of the bonds and notes for which such obligations have been issued.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-46-1 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 5 / Section 46-1
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-46-1
Status: in_force

(1)(a) There is created a special fund in the State Treasury to be known as the Mississippi Railroad Improvements Fund which shall consist of monies from any source designated for deposit into the 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 disbursed by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) for the purposes authorized in subsection (2) of this section.

(b) Monies in the fund that are derived from the proceeds of general obligation bonds may be used to reimburse reasonable actual and necessary costs incurred by the MDA in providing grants under this section through the use of general obligation bonds. An accounting of actual costs incurred for which reimbursement is sought shall be maintained for each grant by the MDA. Reimbursement of reasonable actual and necessary costs for assistance shall not exceed three percent (3%) of the proceeds of bonds issued for such assistance. Reimbursements made under this subsection shall satisfy any applicable federal tax law requirements.

(2) The MDA shall establish a program to make grants to short line railroads from the Mississippi Railroad Improvements Fund to assist in paying a portion of the costs associated with the repair, rehabilitation, construction, reconstruction, upgrading and improvement of railroad lines and related facilities, including projects necessary to ensure safety and structural integrity of rail lines, rail beds and bridges.

(3)(a) A short line railroad desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the MDA which shall include, at a minimum:

(i) A description, including the cost, of the requested assistance;

(ii) A description of the purpose for which the assistance is requested; and

(iii) Any other information required by the MDA.

(b) The MDA shall have sole discretion in providing grants under this section. The terms of a grant shall be within the discretion of the MDA.

(4) The MDA shall have all powers necessary to implement and administer the program established under this section, including the establishing of requirements for matching funds and criteria regarding the evaluation of applications for assistance. The MDA shall promulgate rules and regulations, in accordance with the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law, necessary for the implementation and administration of this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-13 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 18 / Section 61-13
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-13
Status: in_force

Grants for improvements on publicly owned property necessary to complete eligible projects, consistent with the criteria set forth in this chapter, shall be given preference in enterprise zones designated as such by the board in the case of a strategic investment or in those municipalities which are experiencing three (3) or more of the following problems:

(a) Twenty percent (20%) or more of the population with income below the poverty level as reported in the most recent federal decennial census.

(b) The unemployment rate of the county is at least two percent (2%) greater than the state unemployment rate as reported by the Mississippi Employment Security Commission.

(c) Five percent (5%) or more loss of population between 1970 and 1980 as reported by the Bureau of the Census of the United States Department of Commerce.

(d) Significant business vacancy rate within the area, either in gross footage or acreage or in the number of business or industrial buildings.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-34 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 10 / Section 61-34
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-34
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Mississippi Development Authority shall utilize not more than Sixteen Million Dollars ($ 16,000,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds authorized to be issued in this chapter to be made available as interest-bearing loans to municipalities or private companies to aid in the establishment of business incubation centers and the creation of new and expanding research and development and technology-based business and industry. In making loans under this section, the Mississippi Development Authority 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.

(2) The Mississippi Development Authority shall require that any private company receiving a loan under subsection (1) of this section enter into a binding commitment to meet the following minimum obligations, in return for obtaining a loan derived from the proceeds of any bonds issued under this section after July 1, 2005:

(a) The private company shall create a certain minimum number of jobs over a certain period of time, as determined by the authority, and such jobs must be held by persons eligible for employment in the United States under applicable state and federal law;

(b) The private company shall invest, over a certain period of time, a certain minimum amount of capital within the state, as determined by the authority; and

(c) The private company must meet such other requirements as the Mississippi Development Authority considers proper.

If the private company fails to satisfy any commitment under this subsection, then the company must repay an amount equal to all or a portion of the funds loaned by the state under this subsection, as determined by the Mississippi Development Authority.

(3) In exercising the power given it under this section, the Mississippi Development Authority shall work in conjunction with the University Research Center and may contract with the center to provide space and assistance to business incubation centers as the center is authorized to do pursuant to Section 57-13-13 .

(4) The requirements of Section 57-61-9 shall not apply to any loan made under this section. The Mississippi Development Authority shall establish criteria and guidelines to govern loans made pursuant to this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-5 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 23 / Section 31-5
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-5
Status: in_force

(1) The industrial development authority is hereby expressly authorized and empowered to acquire by gift, purchase or otherwise, and to own, hold, maintain, control and develop real estate situated within the county, either within or without the corporate limits of a municipality for development, use and operation and shall be referred to herein as the “project.” The industrial development authority is further authorized and empowered to engage in works of internal improvement, including, but not limited to, construction or contracting for the construction of streets, roads, railroads, site improvements, water, sewerage, drainage, pollution and other related facilities necessary or required for industrial or commercial use and development within the county, and to acquire, purchase, install, lease, construct, own, hold, equip, control, maintain, use, operate, and repair other structures and facilities necessary and convenient for the planning, development, use, operation and maintenance within the county for industrial or commercial purposes, including, but not limited to, utility installations, elevators, compressors, warehouses, air, rail, and other transportation terminals and pollution control facilities.

(2) The authority is authorized and empowered to sell, lease, trade, exchange or otherwise dispose of industrial sites situated within the county to individuals, firms or corporations, public or private, for industrial or commercial use upon such terms and conditions for consideration and with safeguards as will best promote and protect the public interest, convenience and necessity, and to execute deeds, leases, contracts, easements, and other legal instruments necessary or convenient.

(3) The authority is authorized and empowered to fix and prescribe fees, charges and rates for the use of any water, sewerage, pollution or other facilities constructed and operated within the county and to collect the same from persons, firms and corporations using the same for industrial or commercial purposes.

(4) The authority is authorized and empowered to employ engineers, attorneys, accountants, consultants and such personnel as shall be reasonably necessary to carry out the duties and authority authorized by this chapter.

(5) The authority is expressly authorized and empowered to borrow money and issue negotiable promissory notes evidencing the same under the provisions of Section 57-31-9 . In addition to or in lieu of the pledges authorized in Section 57-31-23 , the authority may secure such notes by the execution of a deed of trust upon any real estate belonging to the authority not otherwise encumbered.

(6) The enumeration of any specific rights and powers contained herein, and elsewhere in this chapter, where followed by general powers, shall not be construed in a restrictive sense, but rather in as broad and comprehensive a sense as possible to effectuate the purposes of this chapter.

(7)(a) Any such sale, lease, trade, exchange or other disposition of industrial sites may be made, completed or executed upon such terms and conditions and for such monetary or other consideration as may be found adequate and approved by the authority in orders or resolutions authorizing the same subject to the provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection.

(b) In cases involving the lease of industrial sites, any covenants and obligations of the lessee to make expenditures in determined amounts, and within such time or times, for improvements to be erected on the land by such lessee and to conduct thereon industrial operations in such aggregate payroll amounts and for such period of time or times as may be determined by the authority and defined in the transaction documents, and to give preference in employment where practicable to qualified residents of the county, shall, if included in the transaction documents, constitute and be deemed sufficient consideration for the execution of any such transaction document in the absence of a monetary or other considerations. A lease may contain reasonable provisions giving the lessee the right to remove its or his improvements upon termination of the lease.

(c) In cases other than a lease of an industrial site, any covenants and obligations of the grantee to make expenditures in determined amounts, and within such time or times, for improvements to be erected on the land by such grantee and to conduct thereon industrial operations in such aggregate payroll amounts and for such period of time or times as may be determined by the authority and defined in the transaction documents, and to give preference in employment where practicable to qualified residents of the county, shall, if included in the transaction documents, constitute and be deemed sufficient consideration for the execution of any such transaction document in the absence of a monetary or other considerations.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-31 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 43 / Section 49-31
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-49-31
Status: in_force

(1) The board shall negotiate separate agreements with the federal department of energy concerning different stages of the process of evaluating and selecting a site for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste. The board shall negotiate a separate agreement with the federal department of energy for the final states of the selection of any site for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste.

(2) Any agreement negotiated by the board with the federal department of energy under section 57-49-29 shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) A specification of those procedures:

(i) By which the state may study, determine, comment on, and make recommendations with regard to the possible public health and safety, environmental, social, and economic impacts of any such facility for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste;

(ii) By which the secretary of energy shall consider and respond to comments and recommendations made by the state, including the period in which the secretary shall so respond;

(iii) By which the secretary of energy and the state may review and/or modify the agreement periodically;

(iv) By which the state is to submit an impact report and request for impact assistance;

(v) By which the secretary of energy shall assist the state and the units of general local government in the vicinity of the site under consideration for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste, in resolving the offsite concerns of the state and units of general local government, including, but not limited to, questions of state liability arising from accidents, necessary road upgrading and access to the site, ongoing emergency preparedness and emergency response, monitoring of transportation of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel through the state, conduct of baseline health studies of inhabitants in neighboring communities near the site and reasonable periodic monitoring thereafter, and monitoring of said site upon any decommissioning and decontamination;

(vi) By which the secretary of energy shall consult and cooperate with the state on a regular, ongoing basis and provide for an orderly process and timely schedule for state review and evaluation, including identification in the agreement of key events, milestones, and decision points in the activities of the secretary of energy at the potential site;

(vii) By which the secretary of energy shall notify the state prior to the transportation of any high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel into or through the state;

(viii) By which the state may conduct reasonable independent monitoring and testing of activities on the site, except that such monitoring and testing shall not unreasonably interfere with or delay onsite activities;

(ix) For sharing, in accordance with applicable law, of all technical and licensing information, the utilization of available expertise, the facilitating of permit procedures, joint project review, and the formulation of joint surveillance and monitoring arrangements to carry out applicable federal and state laws;

(x) For public notification of the procedures specified under the preceding subparagraphs; and

(xi) For resolving objections of the state at any state of the planning, siting and development of any facility for the long-term or temporary storage or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste within the state.

(b) The criteria that the federal department of energy shall use in evaluating the suitability of any site in the state for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste;

(c) A requirement that the federal department of energy shall comply with all federal laws, state laws and local ordinances and shall respect state sovereignty consistent with the United States Constitution and the Tenth Amendment, regardless of the ownership of the land on which the activity takes place;

(d) A requirement that the federal department of energy and any of its contractors or subcontractors shall provide the board with all reports and documents the board requests and any other relevant reports and documents in a timely manner and in accordance with any applicable law, regulation or rule. The requirement shall specify that the federal department of energy may not charge a fee for searching for or for supplying reports and documents requested by the board. The requirement shall specify that the federal department of energy shall provide the board with all reports and documents the board requests and any other relevant reports and documents from contractors and subcontractors after the reports and documents are submitted to the federal department of energy regardless of whether the reports and documents have received the final approval of the department of energy;

(e) A requirement that, upon request by the board, the federal department of energy shall provide the data, methods and underlying assumptions used in the preparation of reports and documents in accordance with any applicable law, regulation or rule;

(f) A requirement that the federal department of energy shall notify the board of any grants related to the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and transuranic waste from the federal department of energy to any person in this state;

(g) A requirement that the federal department of energy shall notify the board in a timely manner of any proposed field work, on-site evaluation, on-site testing or similar activities it or any contractor or subcontractor intends to conduct and a requirement that the federal department of energy shall allow the board to monitor these activities by any appropriate means;

(h) A requirement that the federal department of energy shall provide the board in a timely manner with a copy of any requests for proposals and final contracts issued by the federal department of energy relating to the evaluation, selection or construction of a site for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste in this state;

(i) A provision that the federal department of energy shall agree to provide funds to be used to provide educational programs as set forth in section 117 of P.L. 97-425 , and to review the activities of the federal department of energy and its contractors and subcontractors which relate to assessing the suitability of the site(s) for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste;

(j) A requirement that the federal department of energy and the board shall identify impacts associated with studies related to the characterization of an area or site(s) for its potential as a repository or the impacts associated with the development of a site as a repository for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste and that the federal department of energy will provide a mechanism to mitigate those impacts;

(k) A requirement that if the federal department of energy selects a site in the state for construction of a repository for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste or transuranic waste, the federal department of energy shall prepare, prior to submission of an application to license or construct the repository, a repository plan which shall include descriptions of the federal department of energy's plans for construction of the repository, transportation of wastes to the repository, operation of the repository, closing of the repository and monitoring the repository after closure;

(l) A requirement that the location of any site for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive or transuranic waste shall not be in a highly populated area.

(3) Any agreement negotiated by the board with the federal department of energy under Section 57-49-29 shall include a provision which acknowledges the authority of the governor or the legislature to object to the selection of a site within this state for the long-term or temporary storage and/or permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste and transuranic waste.

(4) Any agreement negotiated by the board with the federal department of energy shall be in compliance with the requirements or standards prescribed in this section.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-35 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 7 / 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 27 / 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. § 57-117-3 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 78 / Section 117-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-117-3
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(a) “ Health care industry facility ” means:

(i) A business engaged in the research and development of pharmaceuticals, biologics, biotechnology, diagnostic imaging, medical supplies, medical equipment or medicine and related manufacturing or processing, medical service providers, medical product distribution, or laboratory testing that creates a minimum of twenty-five (25) new full-time jobs and/or Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00) of capital investment after July 1, 2012; or

(ii) A business that 1. is located on land owned by or leased from an academic health science center with a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and a hospital accredited by the Joint Committee on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and 2. creates a minimum of twenty-five (25) new jobs and/or Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) of capital investment after July 1, 2012.

The term “health care industry facility” does not include any medical cannabis establishment as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.

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

(c) “ Health care industry zone ” means a geographical area certified by the MDA as provided for in Section 57-117-5 .

(d) “ Local government unit ” means any county or incorporated city, town or village in the State of Mississippi.

(e) “ Person ” means a natural person, partnership, limited liability company, association, corporation, business trust or other business entity.

(f) “ Qualified business ” means a business or health care industry facility that meets the requirements of Section 57-117-7 and any other requirements of this chapter. The term “qualified business” does not include any medical cannabis establishment as defined in the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-32-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 23 / Section 32-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-32-11
Status: in_force

Any revenues or proceeds derived from property purchased or acquired by the council with funds given or delivered to the council for a specific purpose shall be used exclusively for industrial development in the contributing county. Such funds shall not be commingled with other funds of the council, but shall be kept and expended solely for industrial development within the county specified, for the retirement of indebtedness on industrial property in such county. Once the indebtedness on any property acquired by the council with funds specified to be used in a certain county has been paid in full, the council shall execute a deed to such property to said county upon request to do so by resolution duly adopted by the board of supervisors of said county. In the absence of such request from the board of supervisors of such county the council shall continue to maintain the proceeds or revenues derived from such property in the separate fund to be used for industrial development exclusively within such county furnishing said funds.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-511 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 1 / Section 10-511
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-511
Status: in_force

MDA shall grant funds under this article to a planning and development district or qualified entity in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Grant funds received by a planning and development district or qualified entity in accordance with this article shall be used by the planning and development district or qualified entity to establish a revolving assistance fund for the purpose of providing assistance to small businesses in accordance with this article. Except as otherwise allowed in this article, all principal and interest payments by small businesses in repayment of such assistance shall be eligible for and used by the planning and development district or qualified entity for additional assistance to small businesses in accordance with this article.

(b) Each planning and development district meeting the criteria set forth in this article shall receive an initial grant of not to exceed One Million Dollars ($ 1,000,000.00) for the purpose of establishing the program within its area in accordance with this article. Each qualified entity meeting the criteria set forth in this article shall be eligible to receive an initial grant of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($ 500,000.00) for the purpose of establishing the program within the area it serves in accordance with this article. The total amount of initial grants to planning and development districts shall not exceed Ten Million Dollars ($ 10,000,000.00) and the total amount of initial grants for qualified entities shall not exceed Two Million Dollars ($ 2,000,000.00). Each planning and development district or qualified entity receiving an initial grant shall have twelve (12) months in which to make binding commitments to provide assistance to small businesses in the principal amount of the initial grant in accordance with this article. Grant funds not committed to provide assistance to small businesses at the end of twelve (12) months after receipt thereof by the planning and development district or qualified entity shall be returned to MDA for placement in a pool to be redistributed by MDA to planning and development districts or qualified entities which have binding commitments to distribute as assistance all their initial grant funds and have pending applications for additional assistance in accordance with this article. Any planning and development district or qualified entity returning any such grant funds to MDA shall be required at the time such initial grant funds are returned to deliver to the State Treasury, for deposit in the General Fund, interest on the amount of such returned funds at the same rate as any bonds or notes of the State of Mississippi issued pursuant to this article to provide such grant funds.

(c) After all of the initial grant funds have been provided as assistance to small businesses in accordance with this article, MDA shall distribute additional grant funds to each planning and development district or qualified entity qualified under this article to receive and requesting such funds in whatever amounts MDA deems appropriate and when needed by such planning and development districts or qualified entities to provide additional assistance to small businesses in accordance with this article. The schedule for distributing such funds shall be determined by MDA. Funds distributed to planning and development districts and qualified entities pursuant to this paragraph shall be in addition to funds distributed to planning and development districts and qualified entities pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. The total amount of grants issued pursuant to this paragraph shall not exceed Twenty Million Dollars ($20,000,000.00) for planning and development districts or qualified entities. Grant funds not committed to provide assistance to small businesses at the end of twelve (12) months after receipt thereof by the planning and development district or qualified entity shall be returned to MDA for placement in a pool to be redistributed by MDA to planning and development districts or qualified entities which have binding commitments to distribute as assistance all their initial grant funds and have pending applications for additional assistance in accordance with this article. Any planning and development district or qualified entity returning any such grant funds to MDA shall be required at the time such grant funds are returned to deliver to the State Treasury, for deposit in the General Fund, interest on the amount of such returned funds at the same rate as any bonds or notes of the State of Mississippi issued pursuant to this article to provide such grant funds.

(d) A planning and development district or qualified entity participating in the program may utilize an amount equal to not more than fifty percent (50%) of interest earned on assistance provided to small businesses in accordance with this article or three percent (3%) of the current annual loans disbursed, whichever is the lesser amount, for administration and management of the program, unless specifically authorized to utilize more by MDA; however, any interest earned on grant funds held by a planning and development district or qualified entity prior to the utilization of such grant funds to provide assistance to small businesses shall be placed in the revolving assistance fund of the planning and development district or qualified entity and shall not be expended for administration or management costs. Planning and development districts and qualified entities may retain an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the interest earned on repayment funds that are being held on deposit in anticipation of relending, or three percent (3%) of the current annual loans disbursed, whichever is the lesser amount, to aid in the administration and management of the program. Each planning and development district and qualified entity shall file annually with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives not later than the first day of each regular legislative session a report which details any interest retained or utilized by the planning and development district or qualified entity pursuant to this paragraph (d).

(e) If a planning and development district or qualified entity participating in the program experiences losses from assistance provided pursuant to the program in excess of sixty percent (60%) of the amount of grant funds received by the planning and development district or qualified entity, the planning and development district or qualified entity shall repay the State of Mississippi the amount of such losses in excess of sixty percent (60%) by delivering that amount to the State Treasury for deposit in the General Fund.

(f) MDA shall assist each planning and development district or qualified entity participating in the program in connection with such planning and development district's or qualified entity's compliance with this article.

(g) Each planning and development district or qualified entity participating in the program shall submit the following reports to the MDA:

(i) An annual audit of grant funds received in connection with the program; and

(ii) A semiannual report on July 30 and January 30 of each year, describing all assistance provided to small businesses pursuant to the program, such reports to include without limitation the following: a description of each small business receiving assistance; the project to be assisted and purpose of assistance; a description of each loan and equity investment, including the terms and conditions thereof and use of the assistance funds by the small business; history of the assistance pool, including principal amount loaned, interest earned, interest expended for administration and management, principal amount of equity investments, assistance funds available, and losses; and a statement of jobs created or retained as a result of the assistance program.

(h) If MDA determines that a district or entity has provided assistance to small businesses in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this article, then the amount of such assistance so provided shall be withheld by MDA from any additional grant funds to which the district or entity becomes entitled under this article. If MDA determines, after notifying such district or entity twice in writing and providing such district or entity a reasonable opportunity to comply, that a planning and development district or qualified entity has consistently failed to comply with this article in connection with the program, MDA may declare such planning and development district or qualified entity in default under the program and, upon receipt of notice thereof from MDA, such planning and development district or qualified entity shall immediately cease providing assistance under the program, shall refund to MDA for distribution to other planning and development districts or qualified entities all funds held in its revolving assistance fund and, if required by MDA, shall convey to MDA all administrative and management control of assistance provided by it under the program.

(i) If MDA determines, after notifying a planning and development district or qualified entity twice in writing and providing copies of such notification to each member of the Legislature in whose district or in a part of whose district such planning and development district or qualified entity is located and providing such district or entity a reasonable opportunity to take corrective action, that a planning and development district or a qualified entity administering a revolving assistance fund under the provisions of this article is not actively engaged in lending as defined by the rules and regulations of MDA, MDA may declare such planning and development district or qualified entity in default under the program and, upon receipt of notice thereof from MDA, such planning and development district or qualified entity shall immediately cease providing assistance under the program, shall refund to MDA for distribution to other planning and development districts or qualified entities all funds held in its revolving assistance fund and, if required by MDA, shall convey to MDA all administrative and management control of assistance provided by it under the program.

(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article to the contrary, if federal funds are not available for commitments made by a planning and development district to provide assistance under any federal loan program administered by the planning and development district in coordination with the Appalachian Regional Commission or Economic Development Administration, or both, a planning and development district may use funds in its revolving assistance fund, which have not been committed otherwise to provide assistance, for the purpose of providing temporary funding for such commitments. If a planning and development district uses uncommitted funds in its revolving assistance fund to provide such temporary funding, the district shall use funds repaid to the district under the temporarily funded federal loan program to replenish the funds used to provide the temporary funding. Funds used by a planning and development district to provide temporary funding under this paragraph (j) must be repaid to the district's revolving assistance fund no later than twelve (12) months after the date the district provides the temporary funding. A planning and development district may not use uncommitted funds in its revolving assistance fund to provide temporary funding under this paragraph (j) on more than two (2) occasions during a calendar year. A planning and development district may provide temporary funding for multiple commitments on each such occasion. The maximum aggregate amount of uncommitted funds in a revolving assistance fund that may be used for such purposes during a calendar year shall not exceed seventy percent (70%) of the uncommitted funds in the revolving assistance fund on the date the district first provides temporary funding during the calendar year.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-32-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 9 / Section 32-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-32-7
Status: in_force

The board of supervisors of each county electing to be a part of this council is authorized to set aside, appropriate and expend moneys from the general fund for the purpose of securing funds with which to support and maintain said council. Prior to the board of supervisors securing an indebtedness of the council under this chapter, the board shall comply with the provisions of Section 19-9-11 . Provided, however, any tax levied previously under Section 19-9-111 by any county may be collected and paid to the council created hereby if such tax has not already been paid to the appropriate industrial council. Provided further, that the board of supervisors of any such participating county may, by appropriate order, designate a specific portion of the sum of its appropriation, not to exceed the revenue derived from three-fourths ( 3 / 4 ) of one (1) mill, to be used by said council exclusively for industrial development of said county in any manner authorized by this chapter. The council is hereby authorized to receive and expend funds from the boards of supervisors of participating counties provided by taxation as aforesaid, together with any gifts, gratuities and donations from municipalities within any participating county and from any persons, firms or corporations desiring to make such donations. Such appropriations, gifts or donations shall be placed in such depository as the council may deem appropriate. Any funds designated by any county board of supervisors or the governing body of a municipality for exclusive use within said county shall not be commingled with any other funds, but shall be kept and expended separately.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-203 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 5 / Section 10-203
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-203
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds and determines that there exists in the state a need to assist business in the state in obtaining financing for new business or in the expansion of existing business in order to promote and develop industrial development and to further the long-term economic development of the state through the improvement of its tax base and the promotion of employment. The Legislature finds and determines that it is necessary to provide financial assistance to business in the state by providing loans, guarantees, insurance and other assistance to business, thereby encouraging the investment of private capital in business in the state. To assist in such matters is essential to the industrial development of the state. In making these determinations, the Legislature has considered and affirmatively expresses its policy to assist businesses, acknowledging that this determination has and will affect competition.

It is hereby further declared that all of the foregoing are public purposes and will serve a public purpose in that they will promote industry, develop trade and increase employment opportunities for the benefit of the inhabitants of the state, either through the increase of commerce or through the promotion of safety, health, welfare, convenience or prosperity; and that the necessity of enacting the provisions herein set forth is in the public interest and is hereby so declared as a matter of express legislative determination.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-44 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 25 / Section 61-44
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-61-44
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Department of Economic and Community Development may deposit not more than Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($ 750,000.00) out of the proceeds of bonds issued in this chapter into the revolving fund created in Section 43-3-103, Mississippi Code of 1972 , for use by the Mississippi Industries for the Blind.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-19-11 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 3 / Section 19-11
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-19-11
Status: in_force

In addition to appropriations made by the Mississippi Legislature for the operation and support of the laboratory, the board of trustees of state institutions of higher learning is authorized and empowered to receive contributions, donations, gifts and grants of money and/or property, equipment, materials or manpower from persons, foundations, trust funds, corporations, organizations, the federal government or any subdivision thereof, the state government or any subdivision thereof, to be expended by said board in carrying out the purposes and objectives of this chapter.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-19-17 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 19 / Section 19-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-19-17
Status: in_force

The laboratory personnel may, at their discretion, and subject to the approval of the proper administrative authorities at Mississippi State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, do research on a contract or project basis for industries, governmental agencies, public or private organizations or corporations, or any other, at a price and on a basis to be determined by the aforesaid personnel. The proceeds derived from such research projects shall be used, in addition to other funds provided therefor, for the operation and support of the laboratory.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-3 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 9 / Section 31-3
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-31-3
Status: in_force

Before entering upon the duties of the office, each member of such authority, except any associate members, shall take and subscribe the oath of office required by Section 268, Mississippi Constitution of 1890 , and shall give bond in the sum of five thousand dollars ($ 5,000.00), conditioned upon the faithful performance of his duties, such bond to be made payable to the county in which said authority is situated, and to be approved by the board of supervisors of such county. The members of such industrial development authority shall meet at the regular meeting place of the board of supervisors of such county within five (5) days after the members are initially appointed, and shall elect from among their number a president, vice president, and secretary-treasurer of the authority, and shall adopt a seal and such by-laws, rules and regulations as may be necessary to govern the time, place and manner for holding subsequent meetings of the authority and for conduct of its business, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter. The members of said authority shall serve without salary or compensation, provided, however, that their actual expenses incurred in performance of their duties may be reimbursed, including mileage as authorized by law for state employees.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-157 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 7 / Section 10-157
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-157
Status: in_force

Member agencies and institutions which are included in the Small Business Consortium are as follows:

(a) Department of Economic Development;

(b) Governor's Office of Federal-State Programs;

(c) All state-supported universities; and

(d) All public junior colleges.

Other agencies or institutions serving small business may be added or deleted from the consortium by a two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote of the consortium board.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-21-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 10 / Section 21-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-21-9
Status: in_force

The laboratory is established for the following purposes:

(a) To provide analytical chemical and bacteriological services for regulatory control, in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, of the quality of feeds, oil-seed meals, fertilizers and economic poisons offered for sale in Mississippi. The State Chemist shall also share responsibility for labeling and standards of such goods with these agencies.

(b) To conduct chemical, bacteriological and physical tests of foods sold in the state, regulating the quality and labeling of such foods.

(c) To conduct chemical and physical tests on petroleum products offered for sale in the state.

(d) To provide chemically oriented consultation, problem-solving services and supporting analytical chemistry for other state organizations and agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the State Geologist, the Board of Health, the Mississippi Development Authority, the University Research Center, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Highway Patrol, the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, the Cooperative Extension Service and the Agricultural and Forestry Experimental Station as funds and resources permit.

(e) To provide chemical consultation, toxicological analyses and scientific services for the solution of problems of individual citizens and firms of the state who are engaged in agricultural or industrial endeavors furthering the economic growth or development of Mississippi.

(f) To conduct research and development programs associated with the discharge of these responsibilities.

(g) To carry out any program or duty which may be authorized or delegated to it by future legislation.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-23 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 7 / Section 55-23
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-55-23
Status: in_force

The institutions established by this chapter may, subject to approval of the proper administrative authorities at the various universities, perform research and other services consistent with the purpose and duties of the institutes, on a contractual basis for governmental entities, public or private organizations, or any others, at a price and on a basis to be determined by such universities. The proceeds from such work shall be used, in addition to other funds provided therefor, for the operation and support of the research institutions.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-77-17 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 67 / Section 77-17
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-77-17
Status: in_force

The department shall lend funds under this chapter to Magnolia Capital Corporation in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

(a) Loan funds received by Magnolia Capital Corporation in accordance with this chapter shall remain, and shall be considered to be, public funds and shall be used for the purpose of providing venture capital to Mississippi businesses through the Mississippi Venture Capital Fund Limited Partnership;

(b) The loan agreement between the department and Magnolia Capital Corporation shall contain language necessary to effect the escrow of a portion of the loan in an account for the benefit of the department which, when the monies are invested in zero coupon bonds for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) years, shall mature at a value equal to or greater than one hundred percent (100%) of the total principal amount loaned to Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation;

(c) The interest rate on the loan to Magnolia Capital Corporation shall be set by the executive director of the department; and

(d) Funds received by the Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation and/or the Magnolia Venture Capital Fund Limited Partnership shall be subject to any loan agreement made between the department and the Magnolia Capital Corporation pursuant to this chapter; and, in the event of default on such loan agreement, such funds shall, upon demand of the department, be returned to the Venture Capital Fund in the State Treasury, regardless of whether or not the Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation or the Magnolia Venture Capital Fund Limited Partnership was a party to any loan agreement evidencing any such loan.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-7 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 3 / Section 43-7
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-7
Status: in_force

Agreements between the railroad corporations and the Mississippi Department of Transportation which do not require payment of a portion of the revenue derived from the improved rail line to be paid by the railroad to the Railroad Revitalization Fund shall require that the railroad establish and maintain a separate railroad corporation fund to which a specified portion of the revenue derived from the improved rail line shall be credited and that these funds shall be used by the railroad for the rehabilitation or improvement of rail lines within the state. The terms and conditions governing the use of monies in the special railroad corporation fund shall be stipulated in the agreement. The agreement shall also stipulate a penalty for use of the funds in a manner other than as set forth in the agreement.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-25 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 15 / Section 44-25
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-44-25
Status: in_force

The bonds authorized under Sections 57-44-11 through 57-44-39 may be issued without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things other than those proceedings, conditions and things which are specified or required by Sections 57-44-11 through 57-44-39 . Any resolution providing for the issuance of bonds under the provisions of Sections 57-44-11 through 57-44-39 shall become effective immediately upon its adoption by the State Bond Commission, and any such resolution may be adopted at any regular or special meeting of the State Bond Commission by a majority of its members.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-209 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 10 / Section 10-209
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-209
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, the company shall have the power to borrow money and to issue from time to time its bonds to pay the cost of the projects for which such bonds have been issued, including but not limited to the power to issue from time to time bonds to renew or to pay bonds, including the interest thereon. Whenever bonds can be refunded to obtain interest rates on refunding bonds which are lower than the interest rates on the bonds to be refunded it shall have the power to refund any bonds by the issuance of new bonds, whether the bonds to be refunded have or have not matured, and to issue bonds partly to refund outstanding bonds. Refunding bonds may be sold and the proceeds applied to the purchase, redemption or payment of the bonds to be refunded, or exchanged for the bonds to be refunded. The company may undertake the financing of the cost of a project for an eligible business from the proceeds of its bonds by one or more of the following methods: (a) entering into a lease for the facilities of the eligible business being financed; (b) selling such facilities to the eligible business under a sales contract; (c) lending the proceeds of the sale of the bonds under a loan agreement with the eligible business; (d) entering into a loan to lenders transaction in the manner described in Section 57-10-227 ; or (e) entering into such other transaction or transactions as the company deems appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this article.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-515 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 3 / Section 10-515
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-10-515
Status: in_force

The planning and development districts and qualified entities are hereby authorized to engage legal counsel, accountants, financial advisors, appraisers, consultants and others as needed in connection with providing assistance to small businesses pursuant to this article, and to charge the costs of these services to the small businesses receiving such assistance or charge the proceeds of such assistance therefor. To the extent required by DECD, such professional services shall be engaged on a statewide program basis.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-77-9 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 64 / Section 77-9
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-77-9
Status: in_force

(1) The Magnolia Capital Corporation shall be formed and operated pursuant to the laws of this state. The articles of incorporation, bylaws and any other agreement relating to the organization or operation of the corporation must comply with the provisions set forth in this section. The corporation will be a not-for-profit corporation.

(2) The executive director of the department shall cause the corporation to be formed, and he shall designate the incorporators. The initial board of directors shall consist of thirteen (13) members, all of whom will be appointed by the executive director of the department. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (2), members of the initial board of directors shall serve staggered terms as follows: four (4) for terms of five (5) years each, three (3) for terms of four (4) years each, three (3) for terms of three (3) years each and three (3) for terms of two (2) years each. The terms of the members of the board of directors in place (including any initial directors and successors) before April 17, 1998, shall expire on April 17, 1998, and such persons shall cease to serve on the board of directors and shall relinquish all powers and control of the corporation and assets of the corporation. From and after April 17, 1998, the board of directors shall consist of three (3) members who shall be the State Treasurer, the Attorney General and Secretary of State. If the position on the board of directors held by the State Treasurer, Attorney General or Secretary of State, becomes vacant through death, resignation or otherwise, the position will be filled by the person acting as State Treasurer, Attorney General or Secretary of State, as appropriate, until the Office of State Treasurer, Attorney General or Secretary of State, as appropriate, is filled in the manner provided by law. The directors may not receive per diem.

(3) The articles of incorporation shall provide that the name of the corporation is the “Magnolia Capital Corporation,” and the registered agent shall be designated by the executive director of the department. The corporation's existence begins upon filing of the articles of incorporation. The corporation's existence is perpetual, unless dissolved as provided herein. The general nature of the business of the corporation is to serve as the sole stockholder of the Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation. Consistent with the provisions of this chapter, the bylaws, the organizational minutes, the election of officers, and any other actions appropriate or necessary for the organization and operation of the corporation shall be of that form and content as determined by the board of directors. Nothing contained in this chapter may prohibit the board of directors of the corporation from altering, amending or otherwise modifying the articles of incorporation, bylaws or any other agreement governing the corporation as otherwise permitted under the laws of this state, except that the method of electing directors may not be amended, altered or otherwise modified or restricted; except that the general nature of the business of the corporation may not be amended, altered or otherwise modified or restricted; and except that the corporation may be dissolved, merged or otherwise cease to exist pursuant to the appropriate vote of the board of directors. The executive director of the department may expend any discretionary funds he has available and considers appropriate for the purpose of organizing the corporation.

(4) In addition to other powers and duties, the corporation may take all actions it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the board of directors shall meet at least one (1) time on a quarterly basis to assess the venture capital loan program and whether or not the provisions of this chapter are being complied with. In addition to any other powers and duties, if the corporation determines, as evidenced by a majority vote of the board of directors, that any member of the Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation board of directors is not performing the duties of such member in a manner consistent with the provisions of this chapter, the corporation may recommend to the appropriate appointing authority that such member of the Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation board of directors be replaced.

(5) As soon as legally permissible after April 17, 1998, the corporation shall direct the board of directors of the Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation to dissolve the Magnolia Venture Capital Corporation and the fund.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-39-103 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 4 / Section 39-103
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-39-103
Status: in_force

The purpose of Sections 57-39-103 through 57-39-115 is to provide for development and implementation of a state energy management plan for all state-owned or state-leased buildings and facilities which will minimize energy consumption and ensure that buildings and facilities are operated with maximum efficiency of energy use.
Miss. Code Ann. § 57-43-17 — MS Code / Title 57 / Chapter 13 / 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.