reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 4 - MISSISSIPPI SCENIC STREAMS STEWARDSHIP ACT (§§ 51-4-1 — 51-4-23.10) › Section 51-4-23.6 - Designation of portion of Bear Creek as State Scenic Stream

A loop of Bear Creek in Tishomingo County from the Mississippi-Alabama state line where it enters Mississippi to the Mississippi-Alabama state line where it re-enters Alabama, which was designated as eligible for nomination under Section
51-4-21.4
, is designated as a state scenic stream and is included in the Mississippi Scenic Streams Stewardship Program.
Laws, 2005, ch. 351, § 1, eff. 3/14/2005.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 4 - MISSISSIPPI SCENIC STREAMS STEWARDSHIP ACT (§§ 51-4-1 — 51-4-23.10) › Section 51-4-23.7 - Designation of portion of Red Creek as State Scenic Stream

In accordance with Section
51-4-7
, Red Creek from Mississippi Highway 26 in Stone County to its confluence with Black Creek in Jackson County, which was designated as eligible for nomination to the State Scenic Streams Stewardship Program under Section
51-4-21.5
, is designated as a state scenic stream and is included in the State Scenic Streams Stewardship Program.
Laws, 2006, ch. 407, § 1, eff. 3/15/2006.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 4 - MISSISSIPPI SCENIC STREAMS STEWARDSHIP ACT (§§ 51-4-1 — 51-4-23.10) › Section 51-4-23.8 - Designation of portion of Tombigbee River as State Scenic Stream

In accordance with Section
51-4-7
, the Tombigbee River flowing through Itawamba County, which was designated as eligible for nomination to the State Scenic Streams Stewardship Program under Section
51-4-21.7
, is designated as a state scenic stream and is included in the State Scenic Streams Stewardship Program.
Laws, 2007, ch. 448, § 1, eff. 3/26/2007.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 4 - MISSISSIPPI SCENIC STREAMS STEWARDSHIP ACT (§§ 51-4-1 — 51-4-23.10) › Section 51-4-23.9 - Designation of portion of Noxubee River as State Scenic Stream

In accordance with Section
51-4-7
, the Noxubee River in Noxubee County from the Oktibbeha County line to the Mississippi-Alabama line, which was designated as eligible for nomination to the State Scenic Streams Stewardship Program under Section
51-4-21.9
, is designated as a state scenic stream and is included in the State Scenic Streams Stewardship Program.
Laws, 2008, ch. 411, § 1, eff. 3/31/2008.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 4 - MISSISSIPPI SCENIC STREAMS STEWARDSHIP ACT (§§ 51-4-1 — 51-4-23.10) › Section 51-4-23.10 - Designation of portion of Escatawpa River as State Scenic Stream

In accordance with Section
51-4-7
, the Escatawpa River from the Alabama-Mississippi state line in George County to its confluence with the Pascagoula River in Jackson County which was designated as eligible for nomination to the state Scenic Streams Stewardship Program under Section
51-4-21.6
, is designated as a state scenic stream and is included in the State Scenic Streams Stewardship Program.
Laws, 2009, ch. 395, § 1, eff. 3/18/\2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-3 - Qualifications for license

In order to be licensed as a water well contractor in the State of Mississippi, the applicant must be qualified as set out below:
(a)
Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
(b)
Be of good moral character;
(c)
Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission a reasonable knowledge of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted by the commission under the provisions of this chapter;
(d)
Possess the necessary drilling equipment, or present to the commission sufficient evidence to show that he has access to the use of such equipment at any time he needs it; and
(e)
Have not less than three (3) years' experience in the work for which he is applying for a license.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-32; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 2; Laws, 1985, ch. 459, § 31; Laws, 2010, ch. 411, § 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 367, HB 117,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-5 - Powers of Mississippi Commission on Environmental Quality to carry out provisions of this chapter

(1)
In carrying out the provisions of this chapter, the commission shall have, but shall not be limited to, the following powers:
(a)
Make reasonable rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
Prepare required forms and establish other procedures to govern the submission of applications, reports, and other information authorized to be sent the commission as required by this chapter.
(c)
Prepare and give reasonable oral and/or written examinations for license applicants.
(d)
Deposit all fees in a special fund for the implementation of this chapter.
(e)
Enter upon and be given access to any premises for the purpose of inspecting water wells.
(f)
Require and approve the completion of continuing education units for license renewal applicants.
(2)
If the commission finds that compliance with all the requirements of this chapter would result in undue hardship, an exemption from any one or more of such requirements may be granted by the commission to the extent necessary to ameliorate such undue hardship and to the extent such exemption can be granted without impairing the intent and purpose of this chapter.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-33; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 3; Laws, 2010, ch. 411, § 3, eff. 7/1/2010.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-7 - Violations of chapter or regulations

(1)
When the state board of water commissioners has reasonable grounds for believing that there has been a violation of this chapter or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, the board shall give written notice to the person alleged to be in violation. Such notice shall identify the provisions of this chapter or regulation issued hereunder alleged to be violated and the facts alleged related thereto. Such notice shall be served in the manner required by law for the service of process upon a person in a civil action, and may be accompanied by an order of the board requiring described remedial action which, if taken within the time specified in such order, will effect compliance with the requirements of this chapter and regulations issued thereunder. Such order shall become final within thirty days from the service thereof unless a request for hearing as provided elsewhere in this chapter is made within such time. In lieu of such order the board may require the person or persons named in such notices to appear at a hearing at a time and place specified in the notice.
(2)
When the state board of water commissioners finds that any provisions of this chapter have been violated and that disciplinary action by the board is insufficient or unavailable, then it shall be the duty of the said board to proceed with enforcement of this chapter by proper proceedings through any court of competent jurisdiction available therefor.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-34; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 4, eff. 6/10/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-9 - Proceedings for revocation of license

(1)
When the board determines that the holder of any license issued pursuant to this chapter has violated any provisions thereof or any rules and regulations pursuant thereto, the board shall authorize suspension or revocation of such license. Proceedings under the provisions of this section shall not be dependent upon having exhausted remedies through any other section of this chapter.
(2)
The board shall notify the suspected violator at least fifteen days before the board hearing therefor, shall specify to him the grounds for which such license revocation is proposed with such sufficiency as to protect his constitutional rights therein as in other civil hearings pertaining to license revocations, shall give him opportunity to present any witnesses or other reasonable evidence before the board, and shall comply with established rules of procedure for such board hearings.
(3)
Any such order of revocation of license shall become effective thirty days after service thereof. The aggrieved party may appeal from the board's finding to a court of competent jurisdiction as provided by the laws of the state, provided notice of appeal is given to the board within ten days of such board action.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-35; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 5, eff. 6/10/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-11 - Grounds for revoking license

The grounds for revoking a well driller's license are:
(a)
That he has intentionally made a material misstatement in the application for such license; or
(b)
That he has willfully violated any provisions of this chapter; or
(c)
That he has obtained, or attempted to obtain, such license by fraud or misrepresentation; or
(d)
That he has been guilty of fraudulent or dishonest practices; or
(e)
That he has demonstrated lack of competence as a driller of water wells; or
(f)
That he has failed or refused to file reports as required under the provisions of this chapter; or
(g)
That he has willfully and contumaciously refused to obey reasonable orders, rules, and regulations of the board.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-36; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 6, eff. 6/10/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-13 - Driller to keep records and file reports

The driller shall keep accurate records on each water well drilled, including, but not limited to, its location, depth, character of rocks or formations drilled, fluids encountered, and such other reasonable information as the board may specify. Each driller shall, within thirty days after completion of each well, file a report containing such information in the office of the state board of water commissioners on forms provided by the board. However, no report or information shall be required to be filed with the board if the well is a driven well or if it is dug by the use of a hand auger.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-37; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 7, eff. 6/10/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-15 - [Repealed]

Codes, 1942, § 5956-38; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 8; Laws, 1978, ch. 371, § 2, eff. 3/15/1978.
Repealed by Laws, 2018, ch. 395, HB 1096,§ 10, eff. 7/1/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-17 - Penalties

Any person, firm, or corporation who engages in or follows the business or occupation, or advertises, holds itself out, or acts temporarily or otherwise as a well driller without having first secured the required license or renewal thereof, or who otherwise violates any provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) within the discretion of the court; and each day in which such violation exists or continues shall constitute a separate offense.
In addition to the penalties prescribed herein, any person who violates any order of the board requiring described remedial action as set out elsewhere in this chapter, which shall specify a time requirement for compliance with such order, shall be subject to a penalty not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each day such noncompliance continues.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-39; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 9, eff. 6/10/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 5 - SUBSURFACE WATERS; WELL DRILLERS (§§ 51-5-1 — 51-5-19) › Section 51-5-19 - Chapter supplementary to other laws and regulations

This chapter shall be supplementary to laws, rules, and regulations of the State of Mississippi, of any of its political subdivisions, and of any other state agencies or commissions, except insofar as such conflict may exist.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-40; Laws, 1966, ch. 269, § 10, eff. 6/10/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-1 - Purpose of chapter

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the creation of master water management districts for the carrying out in an orderly manner of works of improvement for the purposes of drainage, prevention of floodwater damage, or the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water, including the impoundment, diversion, flowage, and distribution of waters for recreation, beautification, welfare, and other beneficial use as defined in Sections
51-3-1
through
51-3-53
. The authority herein granted to master water management districts shall be limited to plans for works of improvement developed and carried out in cooperation with the secretary of agriculture under the provisions of Public Law 566, 83rd Congress, as amended, or projects for any of the purposes provided for by this chapter which may be developed and carried out by or in cooperation with any agency or agencies of the United States government under other laws of the United States.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-101; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 1; Laws, 1966, ch. 270, §§ 1, 2, eff. 6/17/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-3 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter the following words and terms shall have these meanings:
(a)
"Master water management district." A governmental subdivision of this state and a public body, corporate and politic, created under the provisions of this chapter for the purposes set forth in Section
51-7-1
.
(b)
"Drainage district." Any drainage district organized under the laws of this state.
(c)
"Water management district." Any water management district created under the laws of this state.
(d)
"Commissioner." Unless otherwise indicated, one of the members of the governing board of a master water management district.
(e)
"Landowner" or "owner of land." Any person, firm, or corporation who shall hold legal or equitable title to any lands lying within a district organized under the provisions of this chapter.
(f)
"Chancery court" or "chancellor." The chancery court or chancellor acting in term time or vacation.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-102; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 2, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-7 - Enlargement or reduction of district

A master water management district may be enlarged in the same manner as provided by law for the organization of such district. The petition shall be filed by the commissioners of the master water management district who shall represent in such petition all water management districts therein.
A master water management district may be reduced in the same manner, by petition signed by its members and publication as provided for by Section
51-7-11
.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-101; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 1; Laws, 1966, ch. 270, §§ 1, 2, eff. 6/17/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-9 - Content of petition

A petition for creation of a master water management district shall set forth the proposed name of the district, the necessity for the district, and a general description of the region intended to be embraced therein; and it shall pray for the organization of the district by the name proposed.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-104; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 4, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-11 - Notice and hearing for creation of district

Upon the filing of a petition for creation of a master water management district, and after fixing of the time, date, and place of hearing by the chancellor, the chancery clerk of the county wherein such petition is filed shall immediately publish a notice directed to the owners of land to be embraced in the proposed district, giving notice of the said petition and designating a date, not less than ten days nor more than twenty days after the last publication of notice, at which a hearing will be had on the petition. Said notice shall be published in a newspaper in each county wherein a part of such district is situated, such paper to have a general circulation in the area in said county wherein such portion of such district may be located, and said notice shall be published for three weeks in such newspaper. If there be no newspaper published in such county, then the notice provided herein shall be posted for not less than fifteen days, with one copy being posted on the bulletin board at the county courthouse and two copies posted at public places in the area proposed to be included in said master water management district. Said notice shall call upon landowners in such proposed district to show cause, if any, against establishment of such district, and such notice shall be in substantially the following form, to wit: "To all persons owning any interest in the following described lands, to wit: (with a description of the lands to be in subdivisions no smaller than quarter sections)."
Upon the date designated in the notice, or upon a subsequent day to which the matter may be continued, the chancery court shall hear all objections, if any are offered, to the organization of said district. Unless at the hearing at least one third (1/3) of the landowners owning at least one half (1/2) of the land proposed to be included in the district or at least one half (1/2) of the landowners owning at least one third (1/3) of the land proposed to be included in the district shall object to the organization, further proceedings shall be had as hereinafter provided; but the district shall not be organized in the event of such objection by at least one third (1/3) of the landowners owning at least one half (1/2) the land or by at least one half (1/2) of the landowners owning at least one third (1/3) of the land, excluding state-owned lands.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-105; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 5, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-13 - Board of commissioners

If the chancery court determines that any objections filed are not sufficient to defeat the organization of the district, and if it be determined by the chancery court to proceed with the organization of the proposed district, the chancery court shall enter an order appointing at least five commissioners who, as the board of commissioners of said master water management district, shall be its governing body. Each of said commissioners shall be a qualified elector of this state and a landowner in the territory proposed to be included in said district, and there shall be at least one such commissioner who is a landowner within each drainage district or water management district having territory in such master water management district and at least one who is a landowner within the territory to be included in such master water management district which is not within an existing drainage or water management district.
The term of office of commissioners of a master water management district shall be four years, except that in making the first appointments the chancery court shall appoint at least three commissioners for terms of one, two, and three years respectively, in order that the terms of all commissioners shall not expire at once; and each commissioner shall serve for the term for which he is appointed and until his successor has been appointed and has qualified. Subsequent appointments and appointments to fill vacancies in office shall be made by the chancery court in the court district of original jurisdiction in the creation of the master water management district. If a majority of the landowners in any such district or proposed district by number petition the court for the appointment of any particular qualified person, such person shall be appointed by the court, provided the requirements of the first paragraph of this section are fulfilled.
The commissioners shall take the oath of office required by section 268 of article 14 of the constitution of the state and shall give bond in the penalty of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) payable to the state for the use and benefit of the master water management district, such bond to be filed with and approved by the chancery clerk of the county in which the petition was filed. The commissioners shall immediately organize and select one of their number as president and another of their number as secretary for a term not to exceed four years. Commissioners shall receive compensation for their services at the rate of twelve dollars and fifty cents ($12.50) per diem provided for commissioners of drainage districts for time spent on the work of the board, in addition to their actual expenses, including traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-105; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 5, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-17 - Approval of plans

As soon as said plans have been developed as hereinbefore provided, a report thereof shall be made by the commissioners, who shall file the same with the clerk of the chancery court. Such report shall include the approval thereof by the board of any levee district within which any master water management district shall be located in whole or in part. Such report shall contain an estimate of the local share of the cost of carrying out the works of improvement, together with an estimate of the total benefits that will accrue to the land in the proposed district. Upon the filing of said report and after fixing a time, date, and place of hearing by the chancellor, the clerk of the chancery court shall thereupon give notice by publication that a hearing will be held on said report and designating a date not less than twenty days and not more than thirty days after the last publication of notice on which such hearing will be held. Said notice shall be published in a newspaper in each county wherein a part of such district is situated, such newspaper to have a general circulation in the area in said county wherein such portion of such district may be located; and said notice shall be published for three weeks in such newspaper. If there be no newspaper published in such county, then the notice provided herein shall be posted for not less than fifteen days, with one copy being posted on the bulletin board at the county courthouse and two copies posted at public places in the area proposed to be included in the master water management district. The notice shall call upon landowners in the district to show cause, if any, against approval of the report by the chancery court.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-106; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 6; Laws, 1966, ch. 270, § 3, eff. 6/17/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-21 - Subsequent projects

If the original plan was made only as to a part of the area within the master water management district, plans for any subsequent projects or works for the remaining area or any part thereof shall be submitted to the chancery court for approval in the manner provided herein, and all provisions and procedures of Sections
51-7-15
through
51-7-21
shall be applicable thereto, except that disapproval of such partial plans shall not terminate the organization of the district or the terms of office of the commissioners thereof.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-106; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 6; Laws, 1966, ch. 270, § 3, eff. 6/17/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-23 - Appeals

Subject to the board of supervisors making the levy for taxes as requested by the board of commissioners, as set out under Section
51-7-29
, any order of the chancery court in connection with a master water management district shall have the force of a judgment. Any owner of real property within the district or the board of commissioners may appeal from any such order to the Supreme Court within twenty (20) days after the order has been made; but if no appeal is taken within that time, such order shall be deemed conclusive and binding.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-107; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 7, eff. 5/10/1960.
Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 439, HB 1561,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-25 - Powers of commissioners

In addition to other powers provided in this chapter, the commissioners shall have power to adopt a seal of the district, which shall be judicially noticed; to fix the domicile of the master water management district; to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of their powers; to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of the chapter and the purposes of the district, if not inconsistent with the laws and constitution of this state; to sue and be sued in the name of the district; to employ such engineers, legal counsel, or other persons as may be necessary in accomplishing the work of the district; to obtain options upon and to acquire by purchase, exchange, lease, gift, grant, bequest, devise, or otherwise, or by the exercise of the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by the statutes of this state on eminent domain, any property, real or personal, or rights or interests therein reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; to maintain, administer, and improve any property acquired, to receive income from such properties, and to expend such income in carrying out the purposes and provisions of this chapter; to conduct surveys, investigations, and research necessary in carrying out the purposes of the chapter; to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any property or interests therein in furtherance of the purposes and provisions of this chapter; to construct, operate, and maintain works of improvement; to perform responsibilities in operating and maintaining all pre-existing works of improvement which, with the approval of the chancery court and the consent of the master water management district, may be turned over to such district; to accept, with approval of the chancery court, gifts and conveyances of land, easements, or rights of way owned by an existing drainage or water management district that are to be used by the master water management district for the purposes of the master water management district, on condition that the master water management district assume the responsibility for maintaining the works of improvement that are constructed on such lands, easements, or rights of way; to accept any moneys or services for carrying out the purposes of the district; to cooperate or enter into agreements with any agency, governmental or otherwise, or any person, firm, or corporation in carrying out the purposes of this chapter; and to do any and all things which are not inconsistent with the laws or constitution of this state in carrying out the purposes for which such districts were created in connection with projects and works of improvement carried out under Public Law 566, 83rd Congress, as amended or under other laws of the United States.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-108; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 8, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-27 - Authority to borrow money and issue bonds

For the purposes of carrying out the projects and responsibilities outlined herein, the board of commissioners shall have authority to borrow money at a rate of interest not exceeding that allowed in Section
75-17-105
, to issue its bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness therefor in a principal amount not exceeding the total amount assessed against all the real property in the district under the provisions of this chapter. Such bonds shall be issued only with the approval of the chancery court and upon the same notice to landowners of the district given in the same manner as provided herein in Section
51-7-11
, in connection with organization of the district. Such bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness shall bear a rate of interest not exceeding that allowed in Section
75-17-105
, shall be issued in denominations of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), shall be signed by the president of said master water management district and countersigned by the secretary; shall bear the seal of the district; may be made payable either within or without the state, to the persons or person to whom sold, or bearer, or bearer simply, at the discretion of the commissioners; may be validated in the manner provided by law for validation of bonds; may have attached interest coupons bearing the facsimile signatures of the president and secretary of the district; and shall be sold at public sale, subject to approval of the chancery court. If any protest against issuance of such bonds shall be filed, such protest shall be heard and determination made thereon by the chancery court; and appeals may be taken either by the commissioners or the person filing the protest from the judgment or order of the court, in the manner provided herein for other appeals from judgments or orders of the court in connection with said master water management districts.
If it is found to be beneficial to the district, the commissioners may, in their discretion, deliver bonds by groups instead of for the total bond issue, with interest payable from the delivery date instead of the issue date, the delivery being made for an amount of money estimated to be needed to finance the district's operation for a year.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, bonds referred to hereinabove may be issued pursuant to the supplemental powers and authorizations conferred by the provisions of the Registered Bond Act, being Sections
31-21-1
through
31-21-7
.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-109; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 9; Laws, 1972, ch. 529, § 2; Laws, 1976, ch. 352, § 2; Laws, 1983, ch. 494, § 17; Laws, 1985, ch. 477, § 8, eff. 4/8/1985.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-30 - Assessment of benefited lands outside of district

If the commissioners at any time either before or after the organization of the district find that other land not embraced within the boundaries of the district will be benefited by the proposed improvement or improvements already made, they shall assess the estimated benefit to such lands and shall specially report to the chancery court, or chancellor in vacation, the assessments which they have made on land beyond the boundaries of the district, as already established. It shall thereupon be the duty of the clerk of the chancery court to give notice by two (2) weekly insertions in a newspaper published in the county where such lands lie, describing the additional lands which have been assessed. The owners of real property so assessed shall be allowed not less than ten (10) days after the last required publication of such notice in which to file with the clerk of the chancery court in writing their protest against being so assessed, or included within the district. The chancery court, or chancellor in vacation, shall, within ninety (90) days, investigate the question whether the lands beyond the boundaries of the district so assessed by the commissioners will in fact be benefited by the making of the improvement, and from its finding in that regard, either the property owner or the commissioners may, within twenty (20) days, appeal to the supreme court. If the finding is in favor of the commissioners, the limits of the district shall be extended so as to embrace any lands that may be benefited by the making of the improvement.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-110(e); Laws, 1972, ch. 529, § 3(e), eff. 5/23/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-31 - Damages

In like manner of making assessments and at the same time and subject to the same rights of protest and appeal, the commissioners shall also assess and place opposite each tract of land on the assessment roll an estimate of all damages that will accrue to any landowner by reason of works or proposed works of improvement, including injury to lands taken or damaged; and when said commissioners return no assessment of damages as to any tract of land, it shall be deemed a finding by them that no damages will be sustained.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-110; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 10; Laws, 1966, ch. 270, § 4, eff. 6/17/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-33 - Acquisition of easements and rights of way

The commissioners may, at any time after the organization of the district, acquire permanent easements and rights of way for constructing, clearing, improving, and maintaining channels, canals and ditches within the district, in accordance with the provisions of Section
51-29-39
, insofar as such provisions may be applicable. It shall not be necessary to personally summon the landowners affected, but in lieu thereof notice may be given by publication in the same manner as provided by Section
51-7-11
, on plans and specifications of the district filed with the chancery clerk. The findings of the court, or chancellor in vacation, shall be final and have the force and effect of a judgment, from which appeal may be taken within twenty (20) days to the supreme court of the state, either by the property owner or by the commissioners of the district.
In lieu of the method herein provided for acquiring land and making compensation for damages, the commissioners may at any time after the organization of the district acquire permanent easements and rights-of-way for constructing and maintaining works of improvement within or without the district boundaries, such works of improvement to include floodwater retarding structures, impoundment structures and construction and improvement of channels, canals and ditches, in accordance with the provisions of Section
51-29-39
, insofar as such provisions may be applicable.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-110; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 10; Laws, 1966, ch. 270, § 4; Laws, 1972, ch. 529, § 3(c, d), eff. 5/23/1972.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-35 - Additional and existing districts

(1)
After the organization of a master water management district, no additional drainage or water management districts shall be organized so as to include any of the area within the boundaries of the master water management district, except with the consent of the master water management district.
(2)
Existing drainage or water management districts are hereby authorized to petition the chancery court and, with its approval and the consent of the master water management district, to convey without consideration to the master water management district lands, easements, or rights of way that are to be used by the master water management district for any of the purposes of such district upon the condition that the master water management district assumes the responsibility for maintaining the works of improvement on such lands, easements, or rights of way. Such existing districts are further authorized to petition the chancery court and, upon its approval and with the consent of the master water management district, to transfer to the master water management district the responsibility for operation and maintenance of any pre-existing works of improvement that are not included in the plans for the project under said Public Law 566, or other law of the United States.
(3)
Financial obligations of existing drainage or water management districts shall not be affected or impaired by the creation of a master water management district or by the transfer to such district by any drainage or water management district of lands, easements, or rights of way as herein provided; nor shall any liens upon the lands of any drainage or water management district be impaired by the creation of any master water management district.
(4)
Powers of existing drainage or water management districts shall not be affected by the creation of any master water management district, except with respect to works of improvement included in the plans for the project under said Public Law 566, or other law of the United States.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-111; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 11, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-37 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Laws, 1980, ch. 440, § 28, eff.1/1/1981.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-112; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 12; 1966, ch. 270, § 5.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-39 - Liability of commissioners

No member of any board of commissioners of any master water management district shall be liable for any damages sustained by any one in the prosecution of the work under his charge, unless it shall be made to appear that he has acted with a corrupt and malicious intent.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-113; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 13, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-41 - Requirements for dissolution

Any master water management district which has no unmatured bonded indebtedness, and which has constructed no works of improvement or projects as set forth herein or which has completed all purposes for which it was created, may be dissolved by the chancery court which organized said district in the manner hereinafter provided, but the proceedings for its dissolution shall not be commenced within three years after the date of organization of such district.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-114; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 14, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-43 - Dissolution procedure

Whenever, after the expiration of the said period of three years, twenty-five landowners of any such district, or a majority of the landowners of any such district, excluding lands owned by the state, or any landowner or owners owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the total acreage of said district, excluding acreage owned by the state, shall sign and file with the clerk of the chancery court by which such district was organized a petition for the dissolution of such district, it shall be the duty of such clerk to give notice in the manner provided in Section
51-7-11
that a hearing will be held on such petition to dissolve such district. Such notice shall set the time and place in term time or vacation when the court shall consider said petition, and such notice shall command all interested persons to appear and show cause, if any they can, as to why such district should or should not be dissolved.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-114; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 14, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-45 - Dissolution hearing and order

On hearing, the chancery court shall hear the cause in the same manner as other causes in chancery, and shall dissolve or refuse to dissolve said district as shall appear in the best interests of the landowners, and shall enter an order accordingly. If an order of dissolution is entered, the court shall decree that no further expenses shall be incurred by the district, and all papers, records and documents of the district shall be deposited with the chancery court by the commissioners within fifteen days after said order. Costs of the dissolution proceeding in event of dissolution, including solicitors fees as might be allowed by the court, shall be assessed and taxed by the court to be collected in the same manner as other taxes and assessments of the district; but in event the district is not dissolved, all costs including solicitors fees shall be assessed against the petitioners.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-114; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 14, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-47 - Outstanding claims

Upon dissolution all powers of the district and its commissioners shall cease, except that any just claim, contract, or obligation shall not be impaired, and persons holding such claims shall, on notice of the dissolution as provided herein, file any such claim as they may have in the court; and the chancery court shall, upon the hearing for dissolution, pass upon such claims and order any assessment or levy as provided for other assessments to pay such claim in the event same shall be found justified, due, and owing by the district.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-114; Laws, 1960, ch. 175, § 14, eff. 5/10/1960.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › IN GENERAL (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-49) › Section 51-7-49 - Transfer of surplus funds of drainage districts

Any drainage district organized under any laws of the State of Mississippi is hereby authorized to transfer to any master water management district created under this chapter, within which such drainage district is located, any surplus funds of such drainage district to be used for any lawful purpose for which such master water management district is authorized to use funds, including but not being limited to the payment of any costs incurred for engineering work, legal services, costs of publication and other administrative expenses, and any other necessary preliminary expenses.
The transfer of such funds is authorized to be made, in the discretion of the commissioners of any such drainage district involved, after the appointment, as provided by law, of commissioners for any such master water management district.
No funds shall be transferred under the provisions of this section that are needed and required to pay and retire bonds and interest due and owing by such district, or needed and required to pay debts and obligations previously incurred by said district and unpaid. If any part of such districts so transferring such funds is not embraced in the new master water management district, then such transferring district shall retain such funds as may be needed and necessary to service that part of said district not embraced in the master water management district.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-121; Laws, 1962, ch. 161, §§ 1-4.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 51 - WATERS, WATER RESOURCES, WATER DISTRICTS, DRAINAGE, AND FLOOD CONTROL (§§ 51-1-1 — 51-41-33) › Chapter 7 - WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 51-7-1 — 51-7-71) › APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF TAXES (§ 51-7-71) › Section 51-7-71 - Contracts between districts as to apportionment and distribution of taxes collected in counties lying in two or more districts

The governing bodies of the several water management districts and waterway districts heretofore or hereafter organized under authority of law in the State of Mississippi are authorized and empowered to negotiate and contract with each other in the apportionment and distribution of tax proceeds accruing from ad valorem taxes authorized the several districts under authority of law, from a county which lies within two or more such water management or waterway districts.
Codes, 1942, § 5956-211; Laws, 1964, ch. 248, eff. 4/30/1964.