reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-201 - Creation of interstate bridge districts on petition

When fifty or more owners of real property within a proposed district shall file a petition with the chancery court of the county in which the largest portion of the lands of the proposed district are situated, seeking to establish a bridge district for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating an interstate bridge and the approaches thereto embracing their property, said petition shall describe the region or area to be embraced within said district and describe generally the location of said bridge, the proposed plan of financing the construction, maintenance, and operation of said bridge, together with a general idea of its character and expenses, accompanied by a certificate or resolution from the Mississippi State Highway Commission showing the need and necessity for the construction of such bridge; then it shall be the duty of the clerk of the chancery court to enter upon its records an evidence of having filed the petition. After having filed said petition, said property owners or their representatives shall apply to the chancellor in vacation or term time for an order fixing a day and date for a hearing on said petition to determine whether or not the petition should be granted or denied. The chancery clerk, after having received the order fixing a day and date for such hearing, shall thereupon give notice by publication once each week for three consecutive weeks in some newspaper published and having a general circulation in the county or counties within which the lands of the proposed district are situated, notifying all persons owning property therein to appear before the chancery court on the day and date fixed by said court to show cause in favor of or against the establishment of said district. At the time named in said notice, the chancery court shall meet and hear all property owners within the proposed district who wish to appear for or against the establishment of the district. If it is deemed to the best interest of the owners of real property within said district that the same shall be created under the provisions of this article the court shall enter an order establishing the district as an interstate bridge district, which shall be subject to all of the terms and provisions of this article. Any landowner feeling aggrieved by the order of the court shall have the right of appeal within thirty days from the date the order was entered, and such appeal may be prosecuted in the manner now provided by law.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-21; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 1.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-203 - Hearing on petitions of property owners

If, upon the hearing provided in Section
65-23-201
, petitions are presented to the chancery court signed by property owners within the proposed district who own a majority of the real property in said district as determined by the value thereof, praying that the improvement be made, it shall be the duty of the chancery court to make an order establishing the district without further inquiry; however, this shall not preclude the rights of appeal hereinabove provided. If no such petitions are filed in the chancery court, then the question of whether such improvement be made shall be submitted to a special election held for the purpose. If a majority of those voting in said election approve the improvement, then upon proper certification thereof the matter may be submitted to the chancery court, and the court shall proceed to investigate the matters relevantly before the court. If it is the opinion of the court that such district should be formed, an order may be entered to that effect. The petitions of the property owners in this section referred to may be signed by any person, firm, or corporation owning real property therein; and guardians may sign for their wards, and fiduciaries may sign for the property they represent.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-22; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 2.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-205 - Appointment of commissioners

When the chancery court has established a bridge district as hereinabove provided, it shall appoint five owners of real property residing within the district to act as commissioners. Each commissioner shall take the oath of office required by Section 268 of the Constitution of Mississippi, and shall also swear that he will not directly or indirectly be interested in any contract made by the board of commissioners and that he will well and truly assess all benefits resulting from said improvement.
No commissioner shall be eligible to discharge the duties of his office until the oath herein required has been taken.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-23; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 3.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-207 - Compensation of commissioners

The commissioners hereinabove provided shall receive the sum of Ten Dollars ($10.00) per day for each day, or major fraction thereof, in which they are called upon to attend the meetings of the board, together with necessary travel expenses not to exceed Six Cents (6¢) per mile for miles actually travelled while engaged in the business of their office.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-24; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 4.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-209 - Employees

The board of commissioners shall have the power to employ engineers, attorneys, auditors, manager or superintendent, and such other employees as may be necessary for the orderly function of such district, and to fix their respective compensation.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-25; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 5.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-211 - Plans

As soon as the board of commissioners shall have formed plans for such bridge and the approaches thereto and shall have ascertained the cost thereof, it shall file the same with the chancery clerk of each county having territory in said district. The plans shall be accompanied by a map showing the location of the bridge and approaches thereto, together with specifications describing the construction and character of the improvement to be made.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-26; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 6.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-213 - Assessment of benefits

The board of commissioners shall proceed to assess the lands within the district, shall inscribe in a book the description of each tract, piece, and parcel of land, shall assess the benefits to accrue to each tract, piece, and parcel of land by reason of such improvement, and shall enter such assessment of the benefits to be derived opposite the description thereof. The assessment shall embrace not merely the lands but all public and corporate roads, railroads, tramroads, and other improvements on the land that will be benefited by the improvement. They shall place opposite each tract, piece, and parcel of land the supposed name of the owner, as shown by the last general assessment of lands within the county; but a mistake in name shall not vitiate or invalidate the assessment, and they may correct evident errors which occur in the assessment list.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-27; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 7.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-215 - Hearing to make assessment of benefits final

When the assessment of benefits is completed the board of commissioners shall subscribe such assessment and file it with the chancery clerk of the county wherein the land is situated, where it may be preserved and kept as a public record. Upon the filing of said assessment of benefits, the chancery clerk of such county shall give notice of such filing by publication once each week for three consecutive weeks in some newspaper having general circulation in the county or counties in which the lands of the district are situated. Said notice shall include a day, not less than thirty days from the date of filing the assessment and not more than forty-five days from the date of filing the assessment, at which time property owners may appear and file objections to such assessment. The board of commissioners shall meet on the date set out in such notice, to hear such objections and to make such corrections and adjustments as may be proper in the case, and shall equalize the assessments according to the benefits to be derived from the special improvement herein provided. After having heard the objections and equalized the assessments, the board of commissioners shall enter its order making such assessments final. Any property owner within the district who feels aggrieved by the order making the assessment final shall have the right, within ten days after said order has been entered, to appeal the assessment to the chancery court of the county in which such property is situated. The appeal from the assessment may be heard by the chancellor in term time or in vacation, and after hearing thereof the chancellor shall enter such order as may be proper in the case. Appeals may be taken from the final order of the chancellor within the time and in the manner now provided by law for appeals from any decree of the court.
When the assessment of benefits has been made final and filed as hereinabove provided, the property owner shall have the right to pay such assessment of benefits in full at any time within sixty days after it became final; but if he does not avail himself of this privilege, the assessment of benefits shall bear interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-28; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 8.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-217 - Tax levy

After the board of commissioners has completed the assessment as hereinabove provided, it shall have the authority and is hereby directed to levy a tax upon the taxable property of the district, as it may consider necessary to be levied to pay the preliminary expenses of said district. When the rate of taxation is determined by the commissioners, it shall be filed with the tax collector of the county wherein such property is situated, together with a copy of the assessment hereinabove required, which shall be a warrant for the collection of such taxes. The taxes herein levied shall be collected by the tax collector of the county, along with other taxes of the county. For collecting such taxes, the tax collector shall receive the same compensation as is provided by law for the collection of state and county taxes, and the taxes so collected shall be paid over by the tax collector to the board of commissioners of the district at the same time he is required to make settlement with the county for general taxes.
All taxes levied under the provisions of this article shall be payable at the same time and in the same manner as state and county taxes and, upon default, the tax collector shall certify such delinquent taxes to the board of commissioners and shall also file a copy of such delinquent taxes with the clerk of the chancery court, as is now required to be filed for other delinquent taxes. The board of commissioners shall have the same authority and it is hereby required to enforce the collection of delinquent taxes, penalties, and costs by proceeding in the chancery court of the county in which the lands are situated, and may have the lands subject to such tax sold by order of the chancery court.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-29; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 9.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-219 - Deficiency tax levy

If the tax first levied shall prove insufficient to complete the improvement or to pay the bonds, both principal and interest, issued by the board of commissioners for such improvement, as the same shall become due and payable, the board of commissioners shall, from time to time, report the amount of the deficiency to the chancery court; and said commissioners shall make such levy or levies upon the property previously assessed for a sum or sums sufficient to complete the improvement and to pay the bonds and interest in the manner as the first levy above provided.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-30; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 10.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-221 - Bond issue

In order to carry out the purposes for which the district is organized and created, the board of commissioners may borrow money at a rate of interest not exceeding six percent (6%) per annum and issue negotiable notes or bonds therefor, signed by the chairman or vice-chairman and the secretary, when authorized by the commissioners, and may pledge all assessments of benefits for the repayment thereof. No bonds issued under the terms of this article shall run for more than thirty years, and all issues of such bonds must be divided so that a portion thereof will mature each year, as other general obligation bonds are now required to be issued.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-31; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 11.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-223 - Lien of bonds

All bonds issued by the board of commissioners shall be secured by liens on all lands, railroads, and tramroads in the district. The board of commissioners shall be required to levy a tax annually and to collect same under the provisions of this article so long as it is necessary and required to pay any bonds or obligations issued under the authority herein granted. The making of such levy of tax on the assessment of benefits and collection thereof may be enforced by proper proceedings in court.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-32; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 12.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-225 - Tolls

The board of commissioners herein created are hereby granted the right and power to construct, operate, and maintain said bridge as a toll bridge, and shall have the power to fix and determine, subject to the terms and provisions of the General Bridge Authority Act of Congress, approved August 2, 1946, and any laws amendatory thereof, the tolls to be charged for transit over such bridge for motor-propelled vehicles, wagons, carriages, animals, foot passengers, pipe line or lines, or other persons, firms, or corporations using such bridge; and the rates so prescribed shall be the legal rates demanded and received for such transit. The rates for such tolls may be increased or decreased from time to time by the board of commissioners, subject, however, to the terms and provisions of the above-mentioned act of Congress. The board of commissioners shall make an annual report of all tolls collected to a trustee or trustees representing the bond holders and to the Mississippi State Highway Commission, and one copy of said report shall be filed with the clerk of the chancery court of the county in which the bridge is located. When the bonded indebtedness and all claims and liability have been fully paid and discharged, said bridge shall become a free bridge. The board of commissioners shall thereupon convey all its right, title, and interest in said bridge to the Mississippi State Highway Commission, and said commission shall maintain and operate said bridge as a part of its highway system without cost to the individual user thereof. The tolls so charged and collected for the use of such bridge shall be used as follows:
(a)
To the payment of the reasonable cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the bridge and approaches thereto, under economical management;
(b)
To the payment of the principal and interest on the bonded indebtedness; and
(c)
The balance, if any, to be placed in an interest and sinking fund to be used for future maintenance and operations and the retirement of the bonded indebtedness.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-33; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 13.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-227 - Contract powers of commissioners

For the purpose of carrying into effect the objects and purposes of this article the board of commissioners shall have full power and authority to negotiate and enter into contract or contracts with the federal government or any of its agencies, the Mississippi State Highway Commission, the state highway commission of any adjoining state where said bridge may be located, any counties, cities, or town of the State of Mississippi or of any adjoining state whereby the district may receive financial aid in the construction, maintenance, and operation of said bridge and approaches thereto; to contract for the joint ownership thereof and the means and manner of operating and maintaining said bridge and approaches thereto. The powers herein granted to the board of commissioners shall have broad and liberal construction for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this article.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-34; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 14.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 5 - INTERSTATE BRIDGE DISTRICTS (§§ 65-23-201 — 65-23-229) › Section 65-23-229 - Acquisition and holding of real estate; eminent domain

The board of commissioners, acting for and in behalf of the district, shall have the right, power, and authority to purchase, hold, and possess such real estate as may be necessary for the purposes for which the district was organized and, in addition thereto, the district organized hereunder shall have the right of eminent domain. If condemnation proceedings become necessary, such proceedings shall be instituted and conducted in the manner as is now provided by law for such condemnation proceedings.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-35; Laws, 1952, ch. 210, § 15.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-301 - Citation

This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Pearl River Bridge Revenue Bond Law".
Codes, 1942, § 8447-51; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 1, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-303 - Legislative determination

It is hereby declared, as a matter of legislative determination, that the construction, operation, and maintenance of additional bridges and adjacent roadways across the flood plain of, and across, the Pearl River will promote the economic development of the state and will promote the general welfare of the entire people of the state.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-52; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 2, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-305 - Construction by certain counties authorized

Any county of this state bordering on the Pearl River is hereby authorized and empowered, separately or jointly, with any other county of the state bordering on the Pearl River:
(a)
To plan, construct, operate, and maintain a toll bridge or bridges and adjacent roadways across the flood plain of, and over and across, the Pearl River.
(b)
To issue bridge revenue bonds of such county or counties, payable from bridge earnings, to pay the cost of such bridges.
However, no bonds or liens given under authority of this article shall constitute a lien on any property of such county or counties other than the bridge or bridges constructed under this article, or a pledge of the revenues therefrom.
(c)
In the event two counties, acting jointly, exercise the powers conferred by this article, all acts shall be authorized by the governing body of each county, and in such event any revenue bonds issued shall be bonds of both of said counties.
(d)
To enter into contracts and/or agreements with any federal agencies, public agencies, or political subdivisions of any kind, including municipalities, corporations, districts, or others, for any financing, construction, operation, or maintenance requirements.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-53; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 3, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-307 - Definitions

As used in this article, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
(a)
The word "bridge" shall be deemed to include the structure and the superstructure of the bridge, the approaches thereto, and adjacent roadways across the flood plain of the Pearl River and also all property, rights, easements, and franchises relating thereto and deemed necessary or convenient for the operation thereof.
(b)
The term "governing body" shall mean the board of supervisors of a county or counties.
(c)
The term "cost of bridge," as applied to a bridge to be constructed pursuant to the provisions hereof, shall embrace the cost of construction, the cost of all land, property, rights, easements, and franchises acquired, which are deemed necessary for such construction, financing charges, interest prior to and during construction and for eighteen months after acceptance of the completed work by the governing body of such county or counties, cost of traffic estimates and of engineering and of legal expenses, plans, specifications, surveys, estimates of cost and of revenues, other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the enterprise, administrative expense, and such other expenses as may be necessary or incident to the financing herein authorized and the construction of the bridge and the placing of the bridge in operation.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-54; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 4, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-309 - Acquisition of rights of way

Any such county acting separately or jointly with another county is hereby authorized and empowered to construct, whenever it shall deem such construction expedient, any toll bridge located as provided in Section
65-23-305
. Authority is hereby granted to any such county or counties to purchase, solely from funds provided under the authority of this article, such lands, rights of way, easements, and other interests in lands, including lands under water and riparian rights of any person, copartnership, association, railroad or other corporation, municipality, or political subdivision, deemed necessary for the construction of any such bridge, upon such terms and at such prices as may be considered by it or them to be reasonable and can be agreed upon between it or them and the owner thereof, and to take title thereto in the name of such county or counties. Any such county or counties may acquire such lands, rights of way, easements, and other interest in land by eminent domain in the manner now provided by law. The State of Mississippi hereby consents to the use of all lands lying under water, which are within the state and are necessary for the construction and operation of any such bridge and the approaches and appurtenances thereto.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-55; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 5, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-313 - Application of bond proceeds

All moneys received from any bridge revenue bond issued pursuant to this article shall be applied solely to the payment of the cost of the bridge or bridges, or to the appurtenant sinking fund, and there is hereby created and granted a lien upon such moneys until so applied, in favor of the holders of such bonds or the trustee hereinafter provided in respect of such bonds.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-57; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 7, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-315 - Trust indenture authorized

In the discretion of the governing body of any such county or counties issuing bonds under the provisions of this article, each or any issue of such bonds may be secured by a trust indenture by and between such county or counties and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or outside of the state. Said trust indenture may, in the discretion of the governing body, convey or mortgage the revenues, the bridge, or any part thereof.
Either the resolution providing for the issuance of bridge revenue bonds or such trust indenture may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of such county or counties and the governing body thereof in relation to the construction, maintenance, operation, repair, and insurance of the bridges, and the custody, safeguarding, and application of all moneys; and it may also provide that the bridge or bridges shall be constructed and paid for under the supervision and approval of consulting engineers employed or designated by the governing body of such county or counties and satisfactory to the original purchasers of the bonds issued therefor, and may also require that the security given by contractors and by any depository of the proceeds of the bonds or revenues of the bridges or other moneys pertaining thereto be satisfactory to such purchasers. It shall be lawful for any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of this state to act as such depository and to furnish such indemnifying bonds or to pledge such securities as may be required by the governing body of such county or counties. Such indenture may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee, and may restrict the individual right of action of bondholders as is customary in trust indentures securing bonds and debentures of corporations. Except as in this article otherwise provided, the governing body of such county or counties may provide, by resolution or by such trust indenture, for the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the revenues of the bridges to such officer, board, or depository as it may determine for the custody thereof, and for the method of disbursement thereof with such safeguards and restrictions as it may determine. All expenses incurred in carrying out such trust indenture may be treated as a part of the cost of maintenance, operation, and repair of the bridge or bridges affected by such indenture.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-58; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 8, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-317 - Application of tolls and charges

The governing body of any such county or counties issuing bonds under the provisions of this article is hereby authorized to fix and to revise from time to time tolls for transit over such bridges, to charge and collect the same, and to contract with any person, partnership, association, or corporation desiring the use of any bridge, its approaches, appurtenances, or any part thereof for placing thereon water, gas, oil pipelines, telephone, telegraph, electric light or power lines, railroad or street railway tracks, or for any other purpose, and to fix the terms, conditions, rates, and charges for such use. Such tolls shall be so fixed and adjusted, in respect of the aggregate of tolls from the bridge or bridges for which a single issue of bonds is issued, as to provide a fund sufficient with other revenues of the bridge or bridges, if any, to pay (a) the cost of maintaining, repairing, operating such bridge or bridges, and collecting tolls, and (b) the bonds and the interest thereon as the same become due. Such tolls shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any state commission, board, bureau, or agency, except such bureau or agency that might participate in the financing of the cost of any such bridge. The tolls from the bridge or bridges for which a single issue of bonds is issued, except such part thereof as may be required to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the bridge or bridges and to provide such reserves therefor as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust indenture, shall be set aside at such regular intervals as may be provided in such resolution or such trust indenture, in a sinking fund which is hereby pledged to, and charged with, the payment of (1) the interest upon such bonds as such interest shall fall due, (2) the principal of the bonds as the same shall fall due, (3) the necessary fiscal agency charges for paying principal and interest, and (4) any premium upon bonds retired by call or purchase as herein provided. The use and disposition of such sinking fund shall be subject to such regulations as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds, or in the trust indenture, but, except as may otherwise be provided in such resolution or trust indenture, such sinking fund shall be a fund for the benefit of all bonds without distinction or priority of one over another. Subject to the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or of the trust indenture, any moneys in such sinking fund in excess of an amount equal to one year's interest on all bonds then outstanding may be applied to the purchase or redemption of bonds. All bonds so purchased or redeemed shall forthwith be cancelled and shall not again be issued.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-59; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 9, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-319 - Bridges toll-free after bonds retired

When the particular bonds issued for any bridge or bridges and the interest thereon shall have been paid, or a sufficient amount shall have been provided for their payment and shall continue to be held for that purpose, the county or counties issuing such bonds shall cease to charge tolls for the use of such bridge or bridges; and thereafter such bridge or bridges shall be free.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-60; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 10, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-321 - Enforcement of bondholders' rights

Any holder of any bonds issued under the provisions of this article or of any of the coupons attached thereto, and the trustee under the trust indenture, if any, except to the extent the rights herein given may be restricted by resolution passed before the issuance of the bonds or by the trust indenture, may either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus, or other proceeding, protect and enforce any and all rights granted hereunder or under such resolution or trust indenture, and may enforce and compel performance of all duties required by this article or by such resolution or trust indenture, to be performed by the county or counties, its or their governing body, including the fixing, charging, and collecting of tolls for transit over such bridges.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-61; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 11, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-323 - Grants and preliminary loans

Any county or counties, acting pursuant to the terms of this article, in addition to the revenues which may be received from the sale of bridge revenue bonds and from the collection of tolls and other bridge revenues derived under the provisions of this article, shall have authority to receive and accept from any federal agency, or state, or state agency, or other political subdivisions, loans or grants for or in the aid of the construction or acquisition of any bridge, and to receive and accept contributions from any source of either money or property or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purpose for which such grants and contributions may be made.
Authority is hereby granted to any such county or counties to secure loans to finance planning of the bridges herein authorized from any governmental agency, repayable solely from the sale of said revenue bonds.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-62; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 12, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-325 - Powers and duties of governing bodies of counties issuing bonds

The governing body of any county or counties issuing its or their bonds under the provisions of this article shall have power to make and enter into all contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to the execution of its powers under this article, may employ engineering and construction experts, inspectors, attorneys, and such other employees as may be deemed necessary, and may fix their compensation. All such compensation and all expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this article shall be paid solely from funds provided under the authority of this article, and no liability or obligation shall be incurred hereunder beyond the extent to which money shall have been provided under the authority of this article. All public or private property damaged or destroyed in carrying out the powers granted under this article shall be restored or repaired and placed in its original condition, as nearly as practicable, or adequate compensation made therefor out of funds provided by this article.
The powers and duties of counties and the governing bodies thereof hereinabove enumerated in this article shall not be construed as a limitation on the general powers or duties of such counties or the governing bodies thereof. It shall be the duty of the governing body of any county or counties issuing its bonds pursuant to the provisions of this article, in addition to the powers and duties enumerated in this article, to do and perform any and all things and acts necessary in the construction, maintenance, and operation of any bridge to be constructed under the provisions of this article, to the end that such bridge or bridges may become and be operated free of tolls as early as possible and practicable, subject only to the express limitations of this article and the limitations of the other laws and constitutional provisions applicable thereto.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-63; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 13, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-327 - Tax exemption

The exercise of the powers conferred by this article constitute the performance of essential governmental functions, and as bridges which are owned and operated by counties constitute public property used for public purposes, such bridges shall at all times be free from taxation within the state. No county shall be required to pay taxes or assessments upon any such bridge or any part thereof owned by it, and bonds issued under the provisions of this article, their transfer, and the income therefrom shall at all times be free from taxation within the state.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-64; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 14, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-329 - Construction and operation of article

This article, being necessary for the welfare of the state and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof. But this article shall not be construed to repeal the laws under which any bridge has heretofore been constructed or operated by any county of the state and, as to such counties, the present laws shall remain in force and effect.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-65; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 15, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 23 - BRIDGES; BOUNDARY AND OTHER WATERS (§§ 65-23-1 — 65-23-331) › Article 7 - PEARL RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-23-301 — 65-23-331) › Section 65-23-331 - Bonds not limited by issuing county's valuation of taxable property

Such bonds may be issued for the purpose stated above and, regardless of the amount thereof, same shall not be subject to the limitations as to amount of bonded debt based upon amount of the assessed value of taxable property in a county.
Codes, 1942, § 8447-67; Laws, 1964, ch. 277, § 17, eff. 6/6/1964.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 25 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-201) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE REVENUE BOND LAW (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-63) › Section 65-25-1 - Citation

This article shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Mississippi River Bridge Revenue Bond Law".
Codes, 1942, § 8448; Laws, 1938, ch. 283.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 25 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-201) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE REVENUE BOND LAW (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-63) › Section 65-25-3 - Issuance of bridge revenue bonds

Any county or city in this state is hereby authorized and empowered:
(a)
To acquire by purchase or by condemnation and to construct, or partly acquire and partly construct, and to improve, operate, and maintain bridges wholly or partially within the state within such county or city or within twenty miles of the territory over which such county or city has jurisdiction and which are over the Mississippi River; and
(b)
To issue bridge revenue bonds of such county or city, payable from bridge earnings, to pay the cost of such bridges.
No revenue bonds and no liens securing such bonds shall be repaid in whole or in part from any funds arising from taxation, nor shall any such bonds or liens given under authority of this article constitute a lien on any other property of a city or county other than the bridge constructed or acquired under this article or a pledge of the credit of such agency unless specifically so voted by a majority of the qualified electors voting in favor of same in an election held according to law for the purpose of so authorizing.
Codes, 1942, § 8449; Laws, 1938, ch. 283.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 25 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-201) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE REVENUE BOND LAW (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-63) › Section 65-25-7 - Purchase of bridges

Any municipality is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by purchase, whenever it shall deem such purchase expedient, any toll bridge located as provided in Section
65-25-3
, or any such toll bridge partly constructed, or any franchises, easements, permits, or contracts for the construction of any such bridge, or any such toll bridge or facilities thereof which may be under lease in whole or in part and which may be so acquired subject to the terms of such lease, all upon such terms and at such prices as may be reasonable and can be agreed upon between such municipality and the owner thereof, title thereto to be taken in the name of such municipality. For the purpose of paying the cost of such acquisition, any municipality is hereby authorized and empowered to issue its bridge revenue bonds as hereinafter provided.
Codes, 1942, § 8451; Laws, 1938, ch. 283.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 25 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-201) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE REVENUE BOND LAW (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-63) › Section 65-25-9 - Condemnation of bridges and property

Any municipality, whenever a reasonable price cannot be agreed upon, or whenever the owner is legally incapacitated or is absent or is unable to convey valid title or is unknown, is hereby authorized and empowered to acquire by condemnation any such bridge or bridges or interest or interests therein, and any land, rights, easements, franchises, and other property deemed necessary or convenient for the improvement or the efficient operation of any property acquired or constructed under this article, or for the purpose of constructing any bridge or portion thereof hereunder, or for securing right of way leading to any such bridge or its approaches, in the manner hereinafter provided. Such condemnation proceedings shall be instituted by a written application of the governing body of such municipality and shall be conducted, and the compensation to be paid shall be ascertained and paid, in the manner provided by Chapter 33, Title 11, Mississippi Code of 1972, or by the laws of the state where such proceedings may be conducted. And any municipality is further authorized and empowered to exercise in this state and in any adjoining state such powers of eminent domain as may be conferred upon such municipality by any act of the Congress of the United States now in force or which may hereafter be enacted. Title to any property condemned by a municipality shall be taken in its name. No municipality shall be under any obligation to accept and pay for any property condemned or any costs incidental to any condemnation proceedings, and shall, in no event, pay for the same except from the funds provided by this article. In any condemnation proceedings, the court having jurisdiction of the suit, action, or proceedings may make such orders as may be just to such municipality and to the owners of the property to be condemned, and may require an undertaking or other security to secure such owners against any loss or damage to be sustained by reason of the failure of such municipality to accept and pay for the property; but such undertaking or security shall impose no liability upon such municipality, except such as may be paid from the funds provided under the authority of this article.
Codes, 1942, § 8452; Laws, 1938, ch. 283.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 25 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-201) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE REVENUE BOND LAW (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-63) › Section 65-25-11 - Improvement of bridges acquired

It shall be the duty of the governing body of any municipality, at or before the time any such bridge shall be acquired by such municipality by purchase or by condemnation, to determine what repairs, replacements, additions, or betterments will be necessary to place the bridge in safe and efficient condition for the use of the public, and to cause an estimate of the cost of such improvement to be made. The governing body of the municipality shall authorize such improvements before the sale of any bridge revenue bonds for the acquisition of such bridge, and the cost of such improvements shall be paid for out of the proceeds of such bonds.
Codes, 1942, § 8453; Laws, 1938, ch. 283.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 65 - HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND FERRIES (§§ 65-1-1 — 65-43-85) › Chapter 25 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGES (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-201) › Article 1 - MISSISSIPPI RIVER BRIDGE REVENUE BOND LAW (§§ 65-25-1 — 65-25-63) › Section 65-25-13 - Construction of bridges

Any municipality is hereby authorized and empowered to construct, whenever it shall deem such construction expedient, any toll bridge located as provided in Section
65-25-3
. Such municipality is hereby authorized to purchase within this state and within any adjoining state, solely from funds provided under the authority of this article, such lands, structures, rights of way, franchises, easements, and other interests in lands, including lands under water and riparian rights of any person, copartnership, association, railroad or other corporation, or municipality or political subdivision, deemed necessary for the construction of any such bridge, upon such terms and at such prices as may be considered by it to be reasonable and can be agreed upon between it and the owner thereof, and to take title thereto in the name of such municipality. The State of Mississippi hereby consents to the use of all lands lying under water, which are within the state and are necessary for the construction and operation of any such bridge and the approaches and appurtenances thereto.
Codes, 1942, § 8454; Laws, 1938, ch. 283.