reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 119 - GULF COAST RESTORATION FUND (§§ 57-119-1 — 57-119-17) › Section 57-119-5 - Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board created; purpose; membership

(1)
There is created the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board for the purpose of providing guidance and expertise to MDA when reviewing applications for assistance under this chapter. The advisory board shall consist of the following seven (7) members:
(a)
Three (3) appointments from the Governor;
(b)
Two (2) appointments from the Lieutenant Governor; and
(c)
Two (2) appointments from the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(2)
The Governor shall appoint the chairman of the board and the board shall elect such other officers as it considers necessary from among its members.
(3)
A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of meetings and all actions of the board shall be by a majority vote.
(4)
The Mississippi Development Authority shall provide any necessary administrative support to the board. No person nominated for, appointed to or serving as a member of the board may be an elected official.
(5)
Members of the board shall serve without compensation, per diem or mileage expense.
(6)
All expenses of the MDA in carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this section shall be paid from funds in the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund.
Added by Laws, 2018EX1, ch. 3, SB 2002,§ 5, eff. 9/5/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 119 - GULF COAST RESTORATION FUND (§§ 57-119-1 — 57-119-17) › Section 57-119-7 - Mississippi Development Authority to be administrator of the GCRF

(1)
MDA shall be the administrator of the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund. MDA is authorized to carry out any powers and duties authorized in this chapter and shall handle all of the day-to-day matters relating to the GCRF.
(2)
The annual administration expenses of MDA in carrying out its duties under this chapter shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the amount of the funds deposited into the GCRF under Section
27-103-302
for that year. MDA may recover from applicants and recipients of funds under this chapter a portion of the costs associated with administering assistance provided under this chapter, which shall not be subject to the one percent (1%) limitation under this subsection.
Added by Laws, 2018EX1, ch. 3, SB 2002,§ 6, eff. 9/5/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 119 - GULF COAST RESTORATION FUND (§§ 57-119-1 — 57-119-17) › Section 57-119-9 - Eligible applicants for assistance; eligible projects; MDA to establish criteria for accepting and reviewing applications for assistance

(1)
Applicants who are eligible for assistance under this section include, but are not limited to, local units of government, nongovernmental organizations, institutions of higher learning, community colleges, public schools, ports, airports, public-private partnerships, private for-profit entities, private nonprofit entities and local economic development entities. Projects that are eligible for assistance under this section are projects that have the potential to generate increased economic activity in the region, as described in Section
57-119-11(3)
.
(2)
MDA shall establish criteria, rules, and procedures for accepting and reviewing applications for assistance under this section. MDA, with advice from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board, shall review, compile and score all timely received applications, and shall present the applications and its recommendations for assistance to individual projects under this section to the Legislature no later than December 1 of the year. The Legislature shall determine individual projects that will be funded under this section by separate line items in an appropriation bill.
(3)
Applications for assistance under this section will be received through web portals set up by MDA. MDA shall set criteria for the web portal which may include protection of the confidentiality of any or all of the applications.
(4)
The project described in paragraph (m) of Section 18, Chapter 106, Laws of 2020 (Senate Bill No. 2977), to assist George County with a rail connection project, shall not be required to meet the criteria established by the Mississippi Development Authority for the selection and recommendation of projects under this section in order to receive the funds allocated for that project under Chapter 106.
Amended by Laws, 2022, ch. 394, HB 660,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Amended by Laws, 2021, ch. 480, SB 2971,§ 29, eff. 4/22/2021.
Added by Laws, 2018EX1, ch. 3, SB 2002,§ 7, eff. 9/5/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 119 - GULF COAST RESTORATION FUND (§§ 57-119-1 — 57-119-17) › Section 57-119-13 - Assistance provided from GCRF cannot be used to cover 100% of the cost of approved project; contracts to include provisions for recovery of funds obtained fraudulently; performance reports

(1)
Assistance provided under this chapter may not be used to finance one hundred percent (100%) of the cost of any project; however, this limitation shall not apply to projects for public schools.
(2)
Contracts executed by MDA with recipients of assistance under this chapter must include provisions requiring a performance report on the contracted activities, must account for the proper use of funds provided under the contract, and must include provisions for recovery of assistance if the assistance was based upon fraudulent information or the recipient of the assistance is not meeting the performance requirements established by MDA of the assistance. Recipients of assistance under this chapter must regularly report to MDA the status of the project on a schedule determined by MDA.
Amended by Laws, 2022, ch. 394, HB 660,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Added by Laws, 2018EX1, ch. 3, SB 2002,§ 9, eff. 9/5/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 119 - GULF COAST RESTORATION FUND (§§ 57-119-1 — 57-119-17) › Section 57-119-15 - Audit of recipients of assistance from GCRF; scope of review; performance audit of MDA's administration of GCRF by State Auditor; scope of audit

(1)
The scope of a financial audit of recipients of assistance under this chapter shall include funds related to any year in which the recipient receives assistance under this chapter. The scope of review for these funds shall include, but is not limited to, compliance with state and federal laws related to the receipt and expenditure of those funds and the criteria established by MDA.
(2)
The State Auditor shall conduct performance audits of MDA's administration of the GCRF under this chapter. The scope of review shall include, but is not limited to, evaluating internal controls, internal audit functions, reporting and performance requirements required for use of the assistance, and compliance with state and federal law. The audit shall include any funds disbursed under this chapter and matching funds provided in the contract with MDA.
(3)
In addition to the rules of the State Auditor, the State Auditor shall adopt rules for the form and conduct all financial audits performed by independent certified public accountants and for audits of recipients of assistance under this chapter.
(4)
The State Auditor may report findings to the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States in addition to the reporting requirements under state law.
(5)
The costs of the audits performed as provided in this section may be paid from the GCRF.
Added by Laws, 2018EX1, ch. 3, SB 2002,§ 10, eff. 9/5/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 119 - GULF COAST RESTORATION FUND (§§ 57-119-1 — 57-119-17) › Section 57-119-17 - Annual report; contents

MDA shall file an annual report with the Speaker of the House, the Lieutenant Governor, the Chairs of the Appropriations Committees of the House and the Senate, and the Legislative Budget Office not later than December 1 of each year, including detailed information regarding at least the following specific areas:
(a)
Receipts and expenditures of the funds received and provided as assistance under this chapter;
(b)
Expenditures for all administration expenses of MDA in carrying out its duties under this chapter;
(c)
Overview of applications reviewed and a detailed description of applications approved for assistance for the current year; and
(d)
Schedule of all applications for which assistance was provided under this chapter detailing status of progress, start date, anticipated completion date, benchmark achievements, and any modifications to the original application after receipt of assistance.
Added by Laws, 2018EX1, ch. 3, SB 2002,§ 11, eff. 9/5/2018.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 121 - 2020 COVID-19 MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ACT (§§ 57-121-1 — 57-121-11) › Section 57-121-1 - Short title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "2020 COVID-19 Mississippi Business Assistance Act."
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 303, SB 2772,§ 5, eff. 5/20/2020.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 494, SB 3053,§ 1, eff. 8/18/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 121 - 2020 COVID-19 MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ACT (§§ 57-121-1 — 57-121-11) › Section 57-121-5 - Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program established; purpose; administration of program

(1)
The Legislature facilitates access by Mississippi small businesses to federal relief and recovery funds related to COVID-19. Accordingly, the Back to Business Mississippi Grant Program is established, to be administered by the MDA, for the purpose of making grants to eligible businesses to reimburse them for eligible expenses as defined in this chapter.
(2)
From the date of the beginning of the period for applications for grants under this section, the MDA shall for the first twenty-one (21) days of the application period only consider and review applications from eligible businesses that (i) did not receive a United States Small Business Administration-Guaranty Paycheck Protection Program loan and/or a United States Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance, (ii) did not receive and has not been awarded reimbursement under any other federal program for the expenses that will be reimbursed by a grant under this section and (iii) did not receive compensation from an insurance company for the interruption of business. After the completion of such twenty-one-day period, the MDA shall consider and review applications from any eligible businesses. The MDA shall not consider applications filed after September 15, 2020.
(3)
The MDA shall develop regulations, procedures and application forms to govern the administration of the program. The MDA may enter into a personal services contract, subject to approval by the Public Procurement Review Board, for the administrative services of the program. The contract shall be let and awarded after receiving at least two (2) bids for time and expense not to exceed Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00). The MDA may retain up to Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($900,000.00) of monies available under this chapter to pay reasonable expenses incurred in the administration of the program.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 303, SB 2772,§ 7, eff. 5/20/2020.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 494, SB 3053,§ 1, eff. 8/18/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 121 - 2020 COVID-19 MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ACT (§§ 57-121-1 — 57-121-11) › Section 57-121-7 - Application for grant; use of funds; program terms and conditions

(1)
Any eligible business desiring to participate in the program shall make application for a grant to the MDA in a form satisfactory to the MDA. The application shall include verified documentation, signed under penalty of perjury.
(2)
The MDA shall use the funds provided by this chapter to make grants to eligible businesses pursuant to applications submitted under subsection (1) of this section, to cover their eligible expenses.
(3)
The use of grants shall be subject to audit by the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Inspector General and the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor. A business found to be fully or partially noncompliant with grant requirements shall return to the state all or a portion of the grant monies received. Applicants shall confirm their understanding of these terms.
(4)
The program shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a)
The base payment to an eligible business shall be One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00). An eligible business may choose to receive additional compensation by either claiming Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per full-time equivalent employee employed by the eligible business as of March 1, 2020, or itemizing eligible expenses on the application form. The total payment shall be reduced by the amount of any Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance funds up to a maximum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), and business interruption insurance proceeds received by the eligible taxpayer; provided, however, that the total payment shall not be reduced by more than half. In no event shall the total payment to an eligible business under this section exceed Twenty-five Thousand Dollars ($25,000.00).
(b)
At least Forty Million Dollars ($40,000,000.00) in grants, exclusive of administrative expenses retained by the MDA, shall be awarded to minority business enterprises for the first sixty (60) days of the application period.
(c)
Grants awarded shall be protected from creditors and shall not be subject to tax.
Amended by Laws, 2022, ch. 347, HB 1529,§ 3, eff. 1/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2021, ch. 443, HB 1446,§ 1, eff. 3/27/2020.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 303, SB 2772,§ 8, eff. 5/20/2020.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 494, SB 3053,§ 1, eff. 8/18/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 121 - 2020 COVID-19 MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ACT (§§ 57-121-1 — 57-121-11) › Section 57-121-9 - Back to Business Mississippi Grant Fund

There is created a special fund in the State Treasury, to be known as the "Back to Business Mississippi Grant Fund," from which the grants authorized by this chapter shall be disbursed by the MDA. All monies shall be disbursed from the fund in compliance with the guidelines, guidance, rules, regulations and/or other criteria, as may be amended from time to time, of the United States Department of the Treasury regarding the use of monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the CARES Act.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 303, SB 2772,§ 8, eff. 5/20/2020.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 494, SB 3053,§ 1, eff. 8/18/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 502, SB 2958,§ 2, eff. 10/9/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 121 - 2020 COVID-19 MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS ASSISTANCE ACT (§§ 57-121-1 — 57-121-11) › Section 57-121-11 - Effectuation of chapter; verification of applicant tax information; promotion of childcare organization applications; notification to registered businesses of grant availability

To effectuate the purposes of this chapter, any office, division, board, bureau, committee, institution or agency of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, shall, at the request of the MDA, provide the employees, facilities, assistance, information and data needed to enable the MDA to carry out its duties. The MDA shall, at a minimum, work with the Department of Revenue to verify applicant tax information, and with the Department of Human Services to promote application by childcare organizations.
As soon as possible after May 20, 2020, the Secretary of State shall notify all registered businesses of the availability of grants under the program.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 303, SB 2772,§ 10, eff. 5/20/2020.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 494, SB 3053,§ 1, eff. 8/18/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 123 - ASSISTANCE FOR POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-55) › Article 1 - CORONAVIRUS RECOVERY FUNDS (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-11) › Section 57-123-1 - Legislative purpose

The COVID-19 public health emergency has had a significant negative impact on Mississippi's tourism industry and its nonprofit museums. The funds provided in this article are necessary expenditures related to COVID-19, the purpose of which is to publicize the resumption of tourism activities and steps taken to ensure a safe tourism experience and to assist nonprofit museums with costs associated with cleaning, disinfection, social distancing measures and/or other health and safety measures necessary for such museums to reopen to the public.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 490, HB 1791,§ 1, eff. 7/9/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 123 - ASSISTANCE FOR POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-55) › Article 1 - CORONAVIRUS RECOVERY FUNDS (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-11) › Section 57-123-5 - Mississippi Nonprofit Museums Recovery Fund created; disbursement of funds

(1)
There is hereby created in the State Treasury a special fund to be designated as the "Mississippi Nonprofit Museums Recovery Fund," which shall consist of funds made available by the Legislature in any manner and funds from any other source designated for deposit into such fund. The fund shall be maintained by the State Treasurer as a separate and special fund, separate and apart from the General Fund of the state. Unexpended amounts remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not lapse into the State General Fund, and any investment earnings or interest earned on amounts in the fund shall be deposited to the credit of the fund. Monies in the fund shall be used by the Department of Finance and Administration, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the purposes provided in this section. Monies in the fund shall be disbursed in compliance with the guidelines, guidance, rules, regulations and/or other criteria, as may be amended from time to time, by the United States Department of the Treasury regarding the use of monies from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. If on December 1, 2020, there are unexpended monies in the fund, those monies shall be transferred to the Unemployment Compensation Fund. Monies in the fund shall be disbursed by the Department of Finance and Administration to assist nonprofit museums in paying costs associated with cleaning, disinfection, social distancing measures and/or other health and safety measures necessary in order to reopen to the public due to the Coronavirus 2019. The Department of Finance and Administration shall take into consideration the attendance, annual revenue and operating expenses when allocating such monies under this section.
(2)
The Department of Finance and Administration shall have all powers necessary for the implementation of this section.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 490, HB 1791,§ 4, eff. 7/9/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 123 - ASSISTANCE FOR POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-55) › Article 1 - CORONAVIRUS RECOVERY FUNDS (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-11) › Section 57-123-9 - Program to provide assistance to Mississippi nonprofit museums

(1)
The Department of Finance and Administration shall establish a program for the purpose of providing assistance to Mississippi nonprofit museums as provided in this section. Monies disbursed by the Department of Finance and Administration under this section shall be disbursed in compliance with all requirements and/or conditions on funds appropriated from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund for the program established under this section. The Department of Finance and Administration shall disburse funds under this section to nonprofit museums located in municipalities with a population of not more than fifty thousand (50,000) according to the latest federal decennial census to assist in paying costs associated with advertising and other forms of promoting and publicizing nonprofit museums and museum related activities, and repairs and renovations of and upgrades and improvements to such museums for health and safety purposes related to the Coronavirus Disease 19. Of the monies disbursed by the Department of Finance and Administration under this section, twenty-five percent (25%) of such monies shall be used to provide assistance for requests for assistance of less than Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00); thirty-five percent (35%) of such monies shall be used to provide assistance for requests for assistance of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) or more but less than Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000.00) and forty percent (40%) of such monies shall be used to provide assistance for requests for assistance of Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000.00) or more. A museum desiring assistance under this section must submit an application to the Department of Finance and Administration. The application must include a description of the purposes for which the assistance is requested, the amount of the assistance requested and any other information required by the department.
(2)
The Department of Finance and Administration shall have all powers necessary for the implementation of this section.
Added by Laws, 2022, ch. 399, HB 453,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2022.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 123 - ASSISTANCE FOR POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-55) › Article 1 - CORONAVIRUS RECOVERY FUNDS (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-11) › Section 57-123-11 - Program to provide funds to Mississippi Main Street Association; purpose

(1)
The Department of Finance and Administration shall establish a program for the purpose of providing funds to Mississippi Main Street Association as provided in this section. Monies disbursed by the Department of Finance and Administration under this section shall be disbursed in compliance with all requirements and/or conditions on funds appropriated from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund for the program established under this section.
(a)
For the first round of grants, the Department of Finance and Administration shall disburse funds under this section to Mississippi Main Street Association to be used for the purpose of making revitalization grants to Mississippi communities as follows:
2020
population
Number of
communities
Grant
amount
Total
grants
More than 25,000
8
$125,000.00
$1,000,000.00
Not more than 25,000
40
$100,000.00
$4,000,000.00
Total
$5,000,000.00
(b)
For the second round of grants, the Department of Finance and Administration shall disburse funds under this section to Mississippi Main Street Association to be used for the purpose of making revitalization grants to Mississippi communities as follows:
2020
Population
Number of
Communities
Grant
Amount
Total
Grants
More than 25,000
8
$68,000.00
$544,000.00
Not more than 25,000
40
$61,400.00
$2,456,000.00
Total
$3,000,000.00
(2)
The Department of Finance and Administration shall have all powers necessary for the implementation of this section.
Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 469, SB 2444,§ 3, eff. 4/14/2023.
Added by Laws, 2022, ch. 399, HB 453,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2022.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 123 - ASSISTANCE FOR POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-55) › Article 3 - PROMOTION OF POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM ACTIVITIES (§§ 57-123-51 — 57-123-55) › Section 57-123-51 - Legislative purpose

The COVID-19 public health emergency has had a significant negative impact on Mississippi's tourism industry. American Rescue Plan Act funds are specifically targeted toward assisting in the recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors. The funds provided in this article are necessary expenditures related to COVID-19, the purpose of which is to publicize the resumption of tourism activities and steps taken to ensure a safe tourism experience and to support the travel and hospitality economy of Mississippi. It is the intention of the Legislature that the activities defined in this article will address the negative economic impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries as allowed by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and subsequent guidance issued by the United States Department of Treasury.
Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 544, HB 419,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (§§ 57-NEW-001 — 57-123-55) › Chapter 123 - ASSISTANCE FOR POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM (§§ 57-123-1 — 57-123-55) › Article 3 - PROMOTION OF POST-COVID-19 RESUMPTION OF TOURISM ACTIVITIES (§§ 57-123-51 — 57-123-55) › Section 57-123-55 - Disbursement of funds to NarraTrip LLC, to use to assist municipalities in paying certain tourism promotion costs

(1)
The Department of Finance and Administration shall establish a program for the purpose of providing funds to certain entities as provided in this section. The Department of Finance and Administration shall disburse One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) under this section to NarraTrip LLC, to use to assist municipalities in the state in paying costs to participate in and be promoted as part of the business's mobile apps geared toward promoting tourism in the state, including, but not limited to, providing information regarding historic sites, roadside markers and dining, music and art experiences.
(2)
The Department of Finance and Administration shall have all powers necessary for the implementation of this section.
Amended by Laws, 2023, ch. 544, HB 419,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2023.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-1 - Creation of port commission; composition and jurisdiction of commission generally

Any city in the State of Mississippi having a seaport or harbor therein designated as a port of entry by the United States government shall have a harbor commission, to be known as a port commission, and same shall be composed of five resident citizens of such city, who shall be qualified electors therein, three of whom shall be skilled and experienced in maritime affairs. Said commission shall have jurisdiction over the port and terminals and harbor and passes leading thereto, and all vessels, boats and wharves, common carriers and public utilities therein, using the same, within their respective cities. In the cities of Natchez, Vicksburg and Greenville, the mayor and board of commissioners, or mayor and board of aldermen of such cities shall be the port commissioners of their respective harbors.
Codes, 1930, § 4849; 1942, § 7546.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-3 - Appointment, oath, bond, and terms of office of members of commission

The port commission provided for in Section
59-1-1
shall be appointed as follows: one (1) shall be appointed by the Governor who shall be skilled and experienced in maritime affairs; one (1) shall be appointed by the board of supervisors of the county in which such port of entry is located, who shall be skilled and experienced in maritime affairs, and three (3) shall be appointed by the mayor and board of aldermen or mayor and board of commissioners of the city where such port of entry is located, one (1) of whom shall be skilled and experienced in maritime affairs. Before entering upon the duties of the office, each of said commissioners shall take and subscribe to the oath of office required by Section 268 of the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, and shall give bond to be approved by the clerk of the city in which the port of entry is located, in a sum not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), conditioned upon the faithful performance of their duties. Said bond shall be made payable to the city in which the port of entry is located, and in case of breach thereof, suit may be brought on the relation of the city for the benefit of said commission. The commissioners shall hold office for a term of four (4) years from the day of their appointment and qualification, and until their successor or successors shall be appointed and qualify as set out herein.
Codes, 1930, § 4850; 1942, § 7547; Laws, 2009, ch. 467, § 21, eff. 7/1/2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-5 - Compensation of members of commission

Each member of any port commission created under the provisions of this chapter, operating in a county bounded by the Gulf of Mexico shall receive as compensation twenty-two dollars and fifty cents ($22.50) per day while engaged in attendance upon meetings of the commission, or engaged in other duties of the commission, not to exceed sixty (60) days in any one (1) year, and shall receive their actual traveling expenses, to be audited and allowed by the commission.
Codes, 1942, § 7557; Laws, 1936, 2nd Ex. Sess. ch. 25; Laws, 1973, ch. 344, § 1, eff. 3/21/1973.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-7 - Meetings; officers

When the port commissioners shall have been appointed and shall be qualified as set out in this chapter, they shall meet at the regular place for the meetings of the mayor and board of aldermen, or mayor and board of commissioners, of the municipality, after giving at least ten days notice of the time and place of such meeting by publication in a newspaper published in such city, and they shall elect a president and secretary, who shall be members of the commission.
Codes, 1930, § 4851; 1942, § 7548.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-11 - Additional powers of port commission

In addition to the power and authority conferred in Section
59-1-1
, the port commission and mayor and board of commissioners of the port of entry, acting jointly only, may in their discretion negotiate a contract or contracts for any and all repairs or any part thereof affecting the reconstruction, repair or maintenance of any pier, dock, warehouse, grain elevator, bulk loading plant, sheds or any other property at the port of entry under the jurisdiction of said port commission and city, under terms and conditions as both bodies may deem best and economical to the city wherein the port of entry is located.
The port commission is given full power and authority to employ engineers, attorneys and other professional and technical help in or about the operation, development and advancement of said port, and to pay reasonable compensation therefor. Such employment and compensation therefor to be approved by the mayor and board of commissioners of the port of entry.
Codes, 1942, § 7549.5; Laws, 1948, ch. 391.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-13 - Construction of Sections 59-1-13 through 59-1-25 generally

Being for the purpose of relieving unemployment and promoting industrial development and the development of fisheries, commerce and shipping in the state, Sections
59-1-13
through
59-1-25
shall be construed as granting additional authority to the several port commissions of the State of Mississippi, and the same shall not repeal or impair any existing law.
Codes, 1942, § 7549.7-08; Laws, 1950, ch. 450, § 8.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-15 - Definition of "industrial operations."

The term "industrial operations" as used in Sections
59-1-13
through
59-1-25
shall include but not be limited to any and all enterprises the operation of which will aid in the development of fisheries, commerce, navigation or shipping in the port, as well as all forms of manufacturing enterprises.
Codes, 1942, § 7549.7-04; Laws, 1950, ch. 450, § 4.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-19 - Sale, lease or other disposition of land not used for port purposes

In the event any part of lands as are described in Section
59-1-17
are not used for port purposes, and navigation and commerce will not be impeded thereby, such port commission may sell, lease or otherwise dispose of same to individuals, firms or corporations, public or private, for industrial use, on such terms and conditions and with such safeguard as will best promote and protect the public interest, and they are hereby authorized to transfer title or possession to any part or all of such lands by special warranty deed, lease, contract, or other customary business instrument; however, no such lease shall be executed for a term in excess of ninety-nine years from its date, and before execution of same any such conveyance, lease, contract or other disposition shall be authorized by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the membership of such port commission by order or resolution entered on its minutes, which order or resolution shall set forth the substantial terms of such conveyance, lease, contract, or other disposition. In the event title to any such land under the jurisdiction of the port commission is in the name of the city, no such transaction shall be consummated until and unless the same be authorized by proper resolution of the port commission and of the city, in which event the city shall join the port commission in the execution of any such instrument.
Codes, 1942, § 7549.7-02; Laws, 1950, ch. 450, § 2.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-21 - Terms and conditions of conveyances, contracts, leases, etc

Any such conveyance, contract, lease or other disposition authorized by Section
59-1-19
of any or all such lands described in Section
59-1-17
may be made upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as may be found to be adequate by the port commission, and approved by the city, in orders or resolutions authorizing same, and the covenants and obligations of the lessee or grantee to make expenditures in determined amounts, and within such time or times, for improvements to be erected on the land, by such lessee or grantee, and to conduct thereon industrial operations in such aggregate payroll amounts and for such period of time or times as may be determined and defined in such lease, deed or other disposition, shall constitute and be deemed sufficient consideration for the execution of any such conveyance, lease, contract or other disposition. Any such instrument shall, however, contain reasonable provisions for the termination of the lease or revision of title to the land, but, unless otherwise agreed to, not the improvements of grantee or lessee, in the event of default on the part of the lessee or grantee of his or its obligations or covenants under any such agreement.
Codes, 1942, § 7549.7-03; Laws, 1950, ch. 450, § 3.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-23 - Assistance of municipalities in establishing industries

In lieu of exercising the authority herein granted, a port commission may cooperate and assist any authorized municipality, as defined in Sections
57-1-1
through
57-1-51
, Mississippi Code of 1972, to which a certificate of public convenience and necessity has been issued under such sections, in the establishment of an industry or industries by such municipality, and may for such purpose or purposes, convey or lease any or all such lands to any such municipality, or join such municipality in the execution of a contract, lease, conveyance or other disposition for the operation of the industry, but any such disposition shall be subject to termination or revision of title in the event of abandonment of the industry, non-compliance with its terms, or non-user for the purposes for which same is made.
Codes, 1942, § 7549.7-05; Laws, 1950, ch. 450, § 5.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-25 - Reservation of oil, gas and minerals in sale, lease or other disposition of lands

Any sale, lease or other disposition made under Sections
59-1-13
through
59-1-25
shall except all oil, gas and other minerals, except sand, clay and gravel on, in and under the land, and shall reserve to the owner thereof the right to develop and produce same in such manner as will not injure or endanger the improvements of the lessee or grantee placed on the land after the execution of such lease, conveyance or other disposition.
Codes, 1942, § 7549.7-06; Laws, 1950, ch. 450, § 6.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-27 - Port director

The port commission is hereby authorized, in its discretion, to employ a port director. It shall be the duty of said port director to solicit business for the port, investigate railroad and ocean rates for the protection of the general public in using said port. The salary of the port director shall be fixed by the commissioners with the approval of the mayor and board of aldermen, or the mayor and board of commissioners, and shall be paid from funds derived under the provisions of this chapter, or from the general funds or special funds raised for such purpose in the city treasury; such port commission may, in its discretion, select from its membership a competent person to serve in the capacity of port director, in which case the salary paid such member for services rendered as port director shall not be subject to the restrictions fixed in Section
59-1-5
.
Codes, 1930, § 4853; 1942, § 7550; Laws, 1940, ch. 314.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-29 - Appropriation of funds for use of port commission by municipal authorities

The mayor and board of aldermen or the mayor and board of commissioners of a municipality having a port of entry as herein defined are hereby authorized and empowered in their discretion to appropriate money for the use and benefit of the port commission to be expended under the direction of the port commission with the approval of said municipal authorities.
Codes, 1930, § 4856; 1942, § 7553.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-31 - Appropriation of funds for use of port commission by county governing authorities

The board of supervisors of a county having a port of entry as herein defined is hereby authorized and empowered in its discretion to appropriate money for the use and benefit of the port to be expended under the direction of the port commissioners with the approval of said board of supervisors.
Codes, 1930, § 4857; 1942, § 7554.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-33 - County membership in rivers and harbors association

The board of supervisors of the various counties are hereby authorized, in their discretion, to join on behalf of their respective counties the rivers and harbors association of Mississippi, and to pay from the general fund of the county membership dues of the association. The payment of membership dues shall entitle the county to all of the rights and privileges of membership and the county shall not be liable for any additional dues or assessments. After a county has joined the association, it may terminate its membership by formal resolution or failure to pay membership dues.
Codes, 1942, § 7557.5; Laws, 1959, Ex. Sess. ch. 37.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-35 - Affiliation with rivers and harbors association by cities and other political subdivisions or agencies

All city, county, district and state ports, harbors and waterway systems and any other agency, department or political subdivision, including municipalities and boards of supervisors, may, in their discretion, become affiliated with, support and pay dues to the rivers and harbors association of Mississippi.
Codes, 1942, § 7557.6; Laws, 1970, ch. 411, § 1, eff. 3/26/1970.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-39 - Licensing of harbor masters, pilots, stevedores, etc

Contracting stevedores shall pay a privilege license not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) per year, the amount within this limit, to be fixed and determined by the port commissioners, and the same shall be paid to the port commission or port authority to be used for port expenses and maintenance as directed by the port commissioner or port authority. Harbor masters, pilots, boatmen, stevedores, surveyors, watchmen, police, ship agents, ship chandlers and such other persons performing services for the public shipping as the port commissioners may require, shall pay annually such license or permit fee as may be prescribed and required by the port commissioners not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00). The fees for piloting, inward and outward, shall be so fixed as not to be unduly burdensome on shipping. The piloting fees for boarding vessels on arrival, for docking and for each shift or move thereafter shall be determined and fixed by the port commissioners as may from time to time be considered reasonable and proper under existing conditions.
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons, to act as harbor master, pilot, boatman, stevedore, surveyor, watchman, ship agent, ship chandler or in any other capacity as the port commissioners may designate, without first being duly licensed and qualified as set out in this section, or without having been issued a permit that such service is necessary for the protection of the harbor or advancement of public shipping.
It shall be unlawful for any vessel, firm or corporation to employ a harbor master, pilot, boatman, stevedore, surveyor, watchman, police, ship agent, ship chandler or any other such person until such person shall have been first duly licensed and qualified as provided in this section.
Codes, 1930, § 4854; 1942, § 7551; Laws, 1948, ch. 381, § 1; Laws, 1968, ch. 579, § 1; Laws, 1984, ch. 493, § 2, eff. 5/15/1984.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-41 - Compulsory pilotage

It shall be unlawful for any vessel of over 250 tons net registered tonnage to enter the harbors or passes leading thereto without being piloted and under the direction of a licensed pilot, and all vessels shall be subject to compulsory pilotage except American vessels laden with coast-wise cargo not destined for foreign ports.
Codes, 1930, § 4858; 1942, § 7555.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 59 - PORTS, HARBORS, LANDINGS AND WATERCRAFT (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-25-17) › Chapter 1 - HARBOR OR PORT COMMISSIONS; POWERS OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION; PILOTAGE (§§ 59-1-1 — 59-1-45) › Section 59-1-42 - Licensed pilot liability

(1)
A licensed pilot or pilot trainee providing pilot services pursuant to Section
59-1-41
shall not be liable for more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) for damage or loss caused by the licensed pilot's or pilot trainee's error, omission, fault, or neglect in the performance of the pilot services, except for the following:
(a)
Damage or loss that arises because of the willful misconduct or reckless disregard for safety by the licensed pilot or pilot trainee; or
(b)
An act or omission relating to the ownership and operation of a pilot boat unless the pilot boat is directly involved in pilot services other than the transportation of licensed pilots.
(2)
This section does not exempt a vessel or its owner or operator from liability for damage or loss caused by the vessel to a person or property on the grounds that:
(a)
The vessel was piloted by a licensed pilot or pilot trainee pursuant to Section
59-1-41
; or
(b)
The damage or loss was caused by the error, omission, fault, or neglect of a licensed pilot or pilot trainee.
(3)
In a proceeding brought against a licensed pilot or pilot trainee providing pilot services pursuant to Section
59-1-41
, for an act or omission for which liability is limited as provided by this section and in which other claims are made or anticipated with respect to the same act or omission, the court shall dismiss the proceedings as to the licensed pilot or pilot trainee.
(4)
Liability under this section shall also be limited as follows:
(a)
A pilot or pilot trainee is not liable directly or as a member of an organization of pilots for any claim that:
(i)
Arises from an act or omission of another pilot or pilot trainee or organization of pilots; and
(ii)
Relates directly or indirectly to pilot services.
(b)
An organization of pilots shall not be liable for any damages caused by a licensed pilot's or pilot trainee's error, omission, fault or neglect in the performance of pilotage services.
(5)
For the sole purpose of occasions when this section is applicable as a defense to liability by a licensed pilot or pilot trainee, the licensed pilot or pilot trainee providing pilot services pursuant to Section
59-1-41
; asserting the defense shall be considered to have been acting as the servant of the vessel, its owner and its operator.
(6)
This section does not apply to a vessel operator, captain, master or pilot that is:
(a)
Not required pursuant to Section
59-1-41
;
(b)
Operating solely under a federal piloting license or;
(c)
Operating an American vessel laden with coast-wise cargo not destined for a foreign port.
(7)
This section shall apply to all causes of action that occur on or after July 1, 2013.
Added by Laws, 2013, ch. 328, SB 2781, 2, eff. 7/1/2013.