MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Appropriations

By: Representative Reeves

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A REGIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE DISTRICT PILOT PROGRAM; TO PROVIDE FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE PILOT PROGRAM BY THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY; TO ESTABLISH A TASK FORCE TO DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN FOR THE DISTRICT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (a) The purpose of this chapter is to pilot the development of a Regional Cultural Heritage District program to be administered and staffed by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

(b) The Regional Cultural Heritage District pilot program shall include Adams, Claiborne, Hinds, Jefferson, Madison, Rankin, Warren and Wilkinson counties.

SECTION 2. On or before July 1, 1998, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History shall develop and submit to the State Legislature an action plan that:

(a) Determines the need for a Regional Cultural Heritage District;

(b) Specifies the goals and objectives for the Heritage District;

(c) Provides an inventory of the significant cultural and historic resources in the Heritage District;

(d) Identifies legal, regulatory and other constraints which must be overcome before meaningful cultural and historic development can occur;

(e) Describes current and potential educational, interpretative and recreational programs and projects concerning the Heritage District;

(f) Provides market research to document the potential regional tourism and economic development opportunities resulting from the development of the Heritage District;

(g) Provides an economic assessment of the long- and short-term costs and benefits related to the implementation of the action plan, including an identification of expected sources of funding;

(h) Describes the specific cost effective techniques or methods for the long-term preservation and documentation of the significant cultural and historic resources in the Heritage District;

(i) Describes the public and private organizational structure to be utilized for planning, development and management of the Heritage District; and

(j) Provides strategies and a schedule for the planning, development and management of the Heritage District.

SECTION 3. For the purpose of reviewing the development of the action plan for the Regional Cultural Heritage District, there shall be a task force that includes one (1) representative appointed by each of the following:

(a) Each board of supervisors in Adams, Claiborne, Hinds, Jefferson, Madison, Rankin, Warren and Wilkinson Counties;

(b) The mayor in each certified local government, including Canton, Jackson, Natchez, Port Gibson, Vicksburg and Woodville;

(c) The Executive Director of the Department of Archives and History;

(d) The Executive Director of the Department of Economic and Community Development;

(e) The Executive Director of the Department of Transportation;

(g) The Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks;

(h) The President of Alcorn State University;

(i) The President of Jackson State University;

(j) The Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission;

(k) The Chairman of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission;

(l) The Regional Director of the United States Department of Interior, National Park Service; and

(m) Other representatives as the Department of Archives and History deems appropriate.

SECTION 4. For the purposes of this act, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History may:

(1) Advocate, coordinate, develop, plan, promote and research cultural and historical attractions, events, properties and services in the Regional Cultural Heritage District;

(2) Enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with the local, state and federal governments, with agencies of such governments, with private individuals, corporations, associations and other organizations, as the department may deem necessary or convenient; and

(3) Provide pilot project grants to fund the cost of construction, preservation, restoration, renovation, repair, investigation, promotion or interpretation of cultural and historic attractions, events, properties and services within the Heritage District.

SECTION 5. The Legislature shall appropriate the funds needed to carry out the provisions of this act.

SECTION 6. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.