MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Public Property; Appropriations

By: Senator(s) Hall

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND HISTORY, ACTING THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION, TO ACQUIRE BY PURCHASE, GIFT, OR OTHERWISE, THE HISTORIC SHAIFER HOUSE AND ACCOMPANYING LAND LOCATED ON THE PORT GIBSON BATTLEFIELD IN CLAIBORNE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

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

SECTION 1. (1) The Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History, acting through the Department of Finance and Administration, is authorized, in its discretion, to acquire by purchase, gift, or otherwise, the historic Shaifer House and accompanying land located on the Port Gibson Battlefield in Claiborne County, Mississippi. If acquired by purchase, the purchase price of such historic property shall not exceed the fair market value as determined by two (2) professional appraisers, selected by the Department of Finance and Administration, who are certified general appraisers of the State of Mississippi.

(2) The Department of Archives and History is further authorized to preserve, restore, develop, interpret, operate and maintain the historic Shaifer House subject to the appropriation of adequate funds by the Legislature of the State of Mississippi. (3) The Board of Trustees of the Department of Archives and History is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with the National Park Service, state and local governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, or any other groups or individuals that may be interested in the preservation and development of the Shaifer House and Port Gibson Battlefield.

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