MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Wildlife and Fisheries

By: Senator(s) Posey

Senate Bill 2670

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-5-71, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF APPRAISALS REQUIRED FOR ACQUISITION OF WILDLIFE REFUGES; TO DELETE AUTHORIZATION TO LEASE CAMPSITES AND HOUSEBOAT SITES WITHIN THE PASCAGOULA RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

 

SECTION 1. Section 49-5-71, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-5-71. (1) The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is hereby authorized to acquire interests in real estate and personal property through purchase, donation, bequest or devise in furtherance of the purposes of Sections 49-5-61 through 49-5-85 and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of law.

(2) Before such real estate is purchased or leased, the fair market value of such real estate shall be determined by the averaging of at least two (2) appraisals by Mississippi Certified General Appraisers. The appraisals shall be paid for by the State of Mississippi.

(3) The commission is hereby authorized to obtain abstracts and surveys, and to engage the services of attorneys to conduct the above described transactions. The commission is authorized to obtain title insurance on property purchased if, in the opinion of the commission, the best interests of the State of Mississippi would be served.

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(4) In order to carry out its management responsibilities over all state lands which are now or may hereafter come under its jurisdiction, the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is authorized to grant easements and rights-of-way over and across any part of such state lands. Such easements and rights-of-way may be granted for such consideration, and upon such terms and conditions, as the department may deem to be in the best interest of the state, consistent with the use of such lands for recreational purposes. Any easement for a utility line shall be granted for that period of time which the department deems to be in the best interest of the management of such lands.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.